Outside Line: Why I love Max Verstappen! Eat. Sleep. Race. Repeat.

While the rest of his rivals on the Formula 1 grid are most likely chilling and deservedly taking some R&R after six intense Grand Prix weekends, Verstappen is out on track doing his thing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. For me, he epitomises those great heroes who triggered my treasured journey in this sport that has become my religion. Racing in the Blood.

If I could choose between being at Spa-Francorchamps watching those amazing WEC Hypercars in action on Friday, or at the Indy Road Course watching IndyCar also on Friday, I would take being in Verstappen’s pit garage at the Nürburgring that day.

Just watching his onboard and absorbing how this living legend goes racing outside Formula 1 would be priceless. Just to feel that love. Make no mistake, Max isn’t just dabbling with GT3 machinery for fun. I sense he’s plotting something more deliberate, and the Nürburgring Nordschleife is firmly in his sights.

It is abundantly clear, Verstappen lives and breathes racing. It’s in his blood. It’s not just the Formula 1 calendar that occupies him. Whether it’s late-night sim sessions, running his GT3 team in the GT World Challenge, or flying across Europe for a private test, the Dutchman is always chasing lap time.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that on Friday, 9 May, Verstappen was spotted pounding around the Nordschleife in a Ferrari 296 GT3 during an official NLS test.

The car, prepared by Emil Frey Racing, bore the name “Franz Hermann” alongside a Dutch flag—an unsuccessful attempt to keep Verstappen’s identity under wraps. But anyone who looked closely would have spotted the familiar race suit and helmet. He was just doing his thing.

This wasn’t a corporate PR stunt or a casual appearance. Verstappen had security in place, blocked off garage access to photographers, and gave proper feedback to Emil Frey’s engineers—technical insight from a four-time Formula 1 World Champion.

Verstappen has long declared his love for the Nordschleife. He’s raced it in the virtual Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS), on iRacing, winning and praising the challenge. He once said: “The Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of my absolute favourite race tracks, and I hope that in a few years I can also compete here with a real GT3.”

It no longer sounds like a wish. It sounds like a plan.

According to the AmS report, Verstappen is aiming to get his Nordschleife permit this year—a requirement for any driver wanting to contest official NLS races or the iconic 24 Hours of Nürburgring. To me, it appears Max is no longer just building his GT3 team around Thierry Vermeulen or the youngsters he backs.

He’s carving out a future beyond F1, and it’s becoming increasingly real. This is the clearest sign yet that Verstappen, despite dominating F1, needs more. More laps. More variety. More freedom.

The Red Bull ace is only 27 this season and at the peak of his powers. But he’s not waiting until retirement to explore new challenges. GT3 racing at the Nordschleife? It’s not a sideshow.

It’s the next step in a restless race driver’s journey—and don’t be surprised if the name “Franz Hermann” reappears on an NLS entry list very soon. Maybe next time it will read: Max Verstappen.
Eat. Sleep. Race. Repeat!