Reigning F1 champion Verstappen shines in Nürburgring's 'Green Hell'
Max Verstappen at the Nordschleife. Photo: Getty Images
A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Max Verstappen has been welcomed with open arms by the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) following his first professional outing at the legendary “Green Hell.”
Max Verstappen achieved his A-license on Saturday - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
"Fantastic to have such an extraordinary driver here in the Green Hell."- Benny Leuchter
The reigning Formula 1 World Champion initially tested the Nordschleife in secret, competing under the pseudonym Franz Hermann to avoid a media and fan frenzy. Driving for the Emil Frey Racing team, the Dutchman impressed as he tackled the fearsome circuit for the very first time.
His first competitive appearance came this past weekend. After passing both practical and theoretical exams on Friday, Verstappen took part in his maiden qualifying session and lined up for his first official race the next day.
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In tricky, rain-soaked qualifying conditions, Verstappen stunned the Nordschleife community with a standout performance. He then recorded the fastest lap of the race in his category by a margin of 20 seconds, though there was a small caveat: track conditions improved after he stepped out of the car.
Second-placed finisher Benny Leuchter praised the F1 star’s effort:
“Fantastic to have such an extraordinary driver here in the Green Hell.
"I met Max on the track once today and I hope we’ll do it again in the future. I think as a pure racer he must have loved this race today, the Nordschleife in the rain is simply incredible!”
Max Verstappen in parc fermé after Monza win
What the ‘Green Hell’ permit means
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By securing his special Nordschleife permit, Verstappen is now eligible to compete in the famed 24 Hours of Nürburgring—a race the Dutchman has previously “won” in a simulator. This marks his first official step into a racing series outside Formula 1, something the Red Bull Racing driver has long expressed interest in pursuing.
Should he decide to enter the 2026 edition of the endurance classic, it will not clash with his Formula 1 commitments: the Nürburgring 24 Hours does not overlap with any Grand Prix weekend.
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