Between the Grands Prix of Azerbaijan and Singapore, Max Verstappen took a detour to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Driving a Ferrari 296 managed by Swiss team Emil Frey Racing, he made his GT3 debut with a victory. The Dutchman hopes to participate in one of his favourite races next year: the 24 hours of the Nürburgring. Emil Frey Racing is eagerly anticipating his next appearance.
Verstappen took the lead on Saturday and subsequently built a substantial lead. His teammate, Chris Lulham, took over halfway through in the Ferrari 296 GT3 and secured the victory. This win by Verstappen outside of Formula 1 not only highlighted the NLS and GT3, but also Emil Frey Racing. The Swiss racing team is already looking forward to Verstappen’s next participation.
“It’s incredible what has happened over the past few days,” team boss Lorenz Frey-Hilti told Swiss publication BLICK. “We’ve never had so many reactions after a race. We’re even being inundated with applications.” Frey-Hilti emphasized how involved Verstappen was throughout the GT3 weekend. “After the race, he stayed for a few more hours to celebrate the victory with us,” said the team boss. “On the eve of the race, he wanted to treat the entire team to dinner.”
Down-to-Earth Racer
The team boss was most struck by Max Verstappen‘s demeanor within the team. “He was one of the first to arrive at the circuit,” he revealed. “He gets along well with everyone and appreciates that we treat him the same as all other drivers. It’s certainly fascinating to see.” What sets Verstappen apart from other drivers is his absolute speed. “We assumed he would be good, but the fact that he can push the car to its limit in varying conditions is, of course, exceptional. Moreover, he always maintains a clear overview, both in his strategy and in his overtaking maneuvers.”
It’s an open secret that Verstappen uses the NLS races as preparation for the 24-hour race at ‘The Ring’. However, according to Frey-Hilti, nothing is yet confirmed about his participation. “We haven’t discussed that yet,” he said. “It naturally depends on the Formula 1 situation. We are ready if he wants to do it. And if he participates, he is, of course, an immediate contender for the overall victory,” the team boss assured.
