Max Verstappen clinched his first GT3 race victory on Saturday during the ninth round of the German NLS Championship. Having secured the necessary licenses two weeks prior, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion made a dominant debut at ‘the Ring’. The NLS organization is likely to be particularly grateful to Verstappen, as his participation generated millions of additional streams.
The viewership figures for Verstappen’s GT3 performance are not yet known, but according to De Telegraaf, his first trial on the Nordschleife – following the Italian GP – was viewed a staggering 42 million times. At that time, the Red Bull driver was racing in a downgraded Porsche Cayman GT4, as he did not yet have the appropriate paperwork to participate in the GT3 class. Nevertheless, there was already a Verstappen frenzy: the organization at the Nordschleife made extra stands available and warned of a massive influx of fans.
Beyond the success of the livestream, the NLS will be particularly grateful to Verstappen. He has put the championship on the global map over the past two weeks. Moreover, the Dutchman, a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has shown great respect. In early September, he completed the full rookie journey on the Nordschleife, including a test lap with an instructor. Last Saturday, he was once again his down-to-earth self, patiently addressing the media present – even in German when necessary.
