F1 LIVE | 'Verstappen crushes Nordschleife record', Hamilton out: Ferrari forced into shake-up

Max Verstappen has once again raised eyebrows at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Reports suggest the reigning Formula 1 world champion has gone three seconds quicker than his previous benchmark in GT3 machinery, stopping the clock at 7:45. Earlier this year, Verstappen had already stunned fans by posting a 7:48 around the infamous “Green Hell,” a time that was widely seen as an unofficial GT3 record.

Back in Germany this weekend for his GT3 debut at the ADAC Barbarossa Prize, Verstappen found even more speed in the Ferrari 296 GT3. According to the YouTube channel MegaPeter96, he delivered the lap during Friday’s running, underlining once again just how quickly he adapts outside his familiar Red Bull cockpit.

The Dutchman shared driving duties with Chris Lulham, getting laps under his belt to prepare for Saturday’s qualifying session and the four-hour endurance race. Fans can follow Verstappen’s Nürburgring adventure closely through GPblog’s coverage, with live updates on our livebog.

Lewis Hamilton did not take part in Ferrari’s 2026 Pirelli tyre test at Mugello, after sharing a concerning update on the health of his dog, Roscoe. The seven-time world champion had been scheduled to drive Ferrari’s mule car, but stepped aside to remain with his 12-year-old bulldog, who is battling pneumonia. Roscoe has long been a fan favourite in the paddock, and Hamilton has kept supporters updated as his pet undergoes constant veterinary care.

In Hamilton’s absence, Ferrari called on Zhou Guanyu to take over the running alongside Charles Leclerc. The Mugello session formed part of Pirelli’s development work for the sweeping 2026 regulations, which will retain the 18-inch wheels but see tyre sizes shrink — fronts reduced from 305mm to 275mm, and rears from 405mm to 375mm. With major changes also coming to engines and chassis, the mileage collected by Zhou and Leclerc was considered vital for Ferrari’s preparations.

Hamilton is also set to skip Ferrari’s upcoming fashion show in Milan, as the priority continues to be Roscoe, and the difficult time his pooch is going through.

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