Having won at Monza, Verstappen wasted no time heading to Germany to earn the required DMSB Permit Nordschleife that would allow him to race GT3 machinery around the ‘Green Hell’ and compete for overall victory.
Getting the Grade A permit included an intensive crash course: theory lessons and an e-learning module, followed by instructional laps around the circuit and then race participation in a restricted Porsche Cayman GT4 CS during NLS7 alongside sim-racing team-mate Chris Lulham.
With the permit secured, Verstappen will now step into the Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 for this today’s race, again alongside Lulham.
Verstappen and Lulham’s Ferrari will be entered in SP9, the premier GT3 category at NLS events.
“It’s my passion to take part in GT3 races like this too,” Verstappen said. “I can hardly wait. I am enthusiastic about racing, even outside of Formula 1. Every lap on the Nordschleife is a very special experience.
The Emil Frey Ferrari GT3 earlier this year
Emil Frey
“The atmosphere is also really good and there are lots of endurance racing fans there. It is my hobby to drive in categories other than Formula 1. My dream is to compete in the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife one day.”
The duo will compete in GT3 field that includes factory Mustangs, Porsches, and endurance specialists like Frank Stippler, Vincent Kolb, and Christian Krognes.
This weekend’s outing represents another step towards Verstappen’s long-held ambition of racing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Next year’s 24-hour event takes place a week after the Canadian Grand Prix, leaving Verstappen available to enter should he choose to.
Earlier this year, Verstappen made headlines when he entered a GT3 test at the Nordschleife using the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’.
The four-time F1 champion joined Emil Frey Racing to drive the same Ferrari 296 GT3 that he will be racing this weekend.
According to reports, Verstappen unofficially broke the Nordschleife’s GT3 lap record, although the lap times were never released publicly.
Verstappen’s Ferrari 296 GT3 Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Car Model | Ferrari 296 GT3 |
| Team | Emil Frey Racing |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo + Hybrid system |
| Horsepower | Approx. 670 hp (GT3 regulated) |
| Transmission | 7-speed sequential gearbox |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | Around 1280 kg (minimum GT3 weight) |
| Fuel | Conventional racing fuel |
| Notable Features | Hybrid energy recovery system (MGU-H & MGU-K) for added power and efficiency |
57th ADAC Barbarossa Prize Schedule
| Time (BST) | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7.15am | Livestream begins |
| 7.30am–9am | Qualifying |
| 9:20am | Pitwalk |
| 10.10am | Grid formation |
| 11am | Race Start |
| All Day | Kart Slalom Final |
How to watch the race
Fans can follow the entire Barbarossa Prize action live and for free.
The official livestream begins at 7.15am BST, and we are hosting the feed at the top of this page, offering coverage from qualifying, as well as the full four-hour race.
The race broadcast includes commentary in both German and English, onboard cameras from selected cars, and live timing for real-time results. Only German commentary is available for qualifying.