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Verstappen Takes on the Green Hell: A New Challenge Awaits

Four-Time F1 Champion Ventures into GT3 Racing

It has been officially confirmed that the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, will participate in his inaugural GT3 race this weekend as part of the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS). This marks a significant step for the racing superstar as he expands his competitive horizons beyond single-seater motorsport.

Teaming Up for the Nordschleife Challenge

For the upcoming four-hour event, Verstappen will join forces with Chris Lulham, sharing an Emil Frey Ferrari 296. This collaboration is set to bring considerable attention to the NLS event, as Verstappen seeks to make an immediate impact in the GT3 category.

License Secured: Paving the Way for GT3 Glory

Just two weeks prior to this much-anticipated race, Verstappen successfully secured the necessary special license to compete in GT3 cars at the challenging 'Green Hell'. He achieved this by participating in an NLS race driving a restricted Porsche Cayman GT4, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to mastering the demands of the iconic circuit.

A Passion Beyond Formula 1: Verstappen's Enduring Love for Racing

Verstappen expressed his deep passion for GT3 racing, emphasizing his enjoyment of competing outside the Formula 1 arena. He described the Nordschleife as an extraordinarily demanding track due to its immense length and historic, intricate layout, making every lap a unique and challenging experience. His ultimate aspiration is to one day contend in the renowned 24-hour race at the Nurburgring.

Lulham's GT Competition Debut and Future Prospects

Chris Lulham, Verstappen's teammate, is also making his first foray into GT competition, having transitioned from sim racing. The 22-year-old is a part of Verstappen.com Racing, indicating a bright future in the sport alongside the celebrated F1 driver. The official preliminary entry list for the event has been released, confirming their participation.

Previous Nordschleife Experience and Upcoming Opportunities

While this marks Verstappen's official GT3 race debut, he previously tested a Ferrari 296 at the German track in May, where he reportedly set an unofficial lap record. It remains uncertain if this will be his final appearance at the Nurburgring this year, especially considering the NLS 2025 final round in October does not conflict with any Grand Prix events, leaving open the possibility for further participation.

In a candid assessment of the current MotoGP season, Marc Marquez has voiced his opinion that his younger sibling, Alex Marquez, is not receiving the full recognition his impressive 2025 campaign deserves. Marc attributes this perceived oversight to the weight of their shared surname, suggesting that without it, Alex's achievements would garner far more widespread appreciation. This season, Alex, riding for Gresini, has delivered a stellar performance, securing two Grand Prix victories and multiple podium finishes, positioning him firmly in second place in the championship standings, a significant lead ahead of seasoned competitors.

Alex Marquez's career in the premier class began in 2020, following a highly successful junior career that included titles in Moto3 and Moto2. However, his initial years in MotoGP were often overshadowed by the colossal success of his elder brother, Marc, a multiple-time world champion. This created a unique challenge for Alex, as expectations were invariably high, and comparisons with his celebrated brother were frequent. After a period of development and adaptation, particularly during his time with LCR Honda, Alex found his stride with Gresini in 2023, marking his return to podium contention.

Despite fracturing his left hand in a collision at the Dutch Grand Prix in June, an injury that could have derailed his season, Alex Marquez displayed remarkable resilience. Although he continued to compete without missing any races, his performance saw a temporary dip, with a brief absence from the podium across three race weekends. However, his triumphant return at the Catalan Grand Prix earlier this month signaled a resurgence of his early-season form, reaffirming his capabilities and competitive spirit on track.

Marc Marquez, who currently holds a substantial lead in the championship standings and is on the cusp of securing his seventh premier class title, has been a close observer of his brother's journey. He emphasizes that Alex's current season is not just good, but \"flawless,\" particularly noting his swift recovery and return to top form after the injury. Marc points out that while some might view their family connection as an advantage, it has, in fact, been a \"burden\" for Alex, obscuring his individual talent and dedication. He highlights Alex's consistent hard work, asserting that it is a crucial factor in his sustained success and his ability to compete at the highest level.

The current season has seen Alex Marquez emerge as the most consistent challenger to his brother Marc, outpacing many other riders, including the factory Ducati team's Francesco Bagnaia, who has had a more challenging year. Marc's comments underscore the belief that Alex's hard-earned achievements, including his Moto3 and Moto2 championships and his strong showing this MotoGP season, are a testament to his innate ability and tireless effort, irrespective of his famous surname. He remains confident in Alex's potential, noting that his brother is capable of achieving great things in the sport, even when competing against riders on more advanced factory machinery.

Marc Marquez passionately argues that his brother, Alex, has demonstrated a level of performance in the 2025 MotoGP season that warrants greater acknowledgment. He believes the shared family name, while a source of pride, has inadvertently placed an unfair expectation and scrutiny on Alex, preventing a full appreciation of his individual prowess. Having clinched two Grand Prix victories and numerous podiums, Alex is solidly in second place in the rider standings. This strong showing, especially after overcoming a significant hand injury sustained at the Dutch Grand Prix, highlights his tenacity and skill. Marc insists that despite facing a temporary setback, Alex's dedication and competitive drive have allowed him to recapture his early-season momentum, proving his mettle in a highly demanding sport. He contends that if judged purely on his racing merits, Alex's season would be celebrated much more widely, recognizing his talent and relentless commitment to his craft.