Max Verstappen showcased his adaptability on Saturday morning during his first Cup 3 qualifying session at the Nürburgring, managing sixth place in challenging wet conditions. The four-time Formula 1 world champion recorded a best lap of 10:21.591, finishing 15.3 seconds off the class leader but an impressive 68.4 seconds ahead of the driver behind him.
The Dutch driver is competing in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS that has been detuned to comply with Cup 3 class regulations. The modifications include a reduction in horsepower from 425 to about 300 and an increased minimum weight of 1,350 kilograms, aligning with the category’s 4.2 kg/hp requirement. This entry is part of Verstappen’s effort to earn a DMSB Permit Nordschleife Grade B, a prerequisite for competing in the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. The license requires drivers to complete 14 incident-free laps and finish at least 20% of a race distance.
The event has drawn significant attention, with around 50,000 fans expected at the Nürburgring this weekend. Verstappen’s appearance follows a recent undercover test, where he reportedly broke an unofficial GT3 lap record under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann” while working with Emil Frey Racing. Alongside extensive simulator practice, the preparation underlines his commitment to competing at the famed “Green Hell.”
This weekend, Verstappen is sharing his Lionspeed GP entry with Team Redline sim racing partner Chris Lulham. Having already completed the first phase of the permit process, he is on track to step into GT3 machinery at the NLS8 event on September 27 with Emil Frey Racing if successful.
“Racing is not just my profession, but also my hobby,” Verstappen said on his official website, adding that competing at the Nordschleife has long been a personal goal.
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