Verstappen Claims Victory in First GT3 Race with Ferrari Over the Weekend

Max Verstappen Shines in GT3 Debut at Nürburgring Langstrecken Series

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, made a spectacular entrance into GT3 racing, securing his first victory at the iconic Nürburgring. Competing in the 57th edition of the 4 Hours of Barbarossapreis, Verstappen teamed up with Chris Lulham in the Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, showcasing his talent in the highly competitive SP9 class.

Highlights of Verstappen’s Landmark Victory

Verstappen, who recently obtained his racing license, drove the number 31 Ferrari. After a challenging qualifying session hindered by heavy fog, he started the race from the third position. Within the first 30 minutes, he skillfully maneuvered into the lead. At the two-hour mark, Verstappen handed over the car to Lulham with a comfortable 1-minute and 2-second lead. Lulham maintained that lead, ensuring a triumphant finish for the duo.

Key Performances in the NLS Race

• The second-place finish went to Frikadelli Racing’s number 21 Ferrari 296 GT3, driven by team principal Klaus Abbelen, who came in 13th overall.
• The season’s finale, the NLS Sportwarte-Rennen, is scheduled for October 11.

Challenges for Scuderia Praha in the 24H Series

In the 24H Series, Scuderia Praha faced challenges that marked the end of their title hopes. Entering the Barcelona round in second place, their number 56 Ferrari 296 GT3 struggled to close the gap, ultimately finishing 13th overall and placing sixth in the championship standings. A mechanical issue sidelined their Pro Am team, consisting of Josef Kràl, Miroslav Vyboh, Matus Vyboh, and Dennis Waszek, preventing them from maintaining their earlier race lead.

Other notable performances included:

• Era Motorsport’s number 81 Ferrari 296 GT3 securing eighth place overall and fourth in the Pro Am class.
• Into Africa Racing by Dragon’s number 98 Ferrari failing to finish the race.

The 24H Series will resume on December 5 with the Middle East Trophy, following the conclusion of the European season.

Italian GT Championship Sprint Series at Imola

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari hosted the penultimate round of the Italian GT Championship Sprint series, where competitors eyed vital points before the finale at Monza.

Ferrari–Raghunathan’s number 51 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 shone brightly, securing a fifth-place finish and clinching victory in Race-2 of the Pro Am class, strengthening their bid for the national title. Teammates Leonardo Colavita and Ibrahim Badawi in the number 62 car also contributed with impressive second and third-place finishes.

Other standout performances included:

• The number 27 Ferrari 296 GT3 of Sean Hudspeth and Rafael Duran, finishing third and fourth in their class.
• Best Lap’s number 11 Ferrari 296 Challenge achieving a win and a third place.
• Marco Zanasi and Andrea Belicchi of Pinetti Motorsport clinching a victory in Race-2 after a solid fourth-place finish in Race-1.

The decisive round of the Sprint series will unfold at Monza from October 24 to 26, where all national titles will be on the line.