Max Verstappen is set to swap Formula One for a run on the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife this month in a move that will only fuel speculation about his long-term future.
The Dutchman will take part in Germany’s Nurburgring Endurance Series between Grand Prix in Monza and Baku, before returning to the circuit later in September to drive a Ferrari 296 GT3.
The decision comes only weeks after Verstappen exclusively told Daily Mail Sport that he had ‘already achieved everything’ he wanted in Formula One and admitted he could happily walk away at the end of his Red Bull contract.
While he stressed he remained committed to Red Bull, the 27-year-old also spoke openly about his passions outside of F1, including sim racing and GT racing.
According to Auto Motor und Sport in Germany, Verstappen will head to the Nurburgring straight after Monza, where he stormed to victory on Sunday, to compete on the famous Nordschleife. The event will mark the first time the world champion has taken part in an official race there.
Before he can race a GT3 Ferrari on the Nordschleife, Verstappen must complete a mandatory course and take part in a race in a less powerful car, with reports suggesting he will run a Porsche Cayman GT4 for Lionspeed GP to secure his permit.
The Dutchman will take part in Germany’s Nurburgring Endurance Series between Grand Prix in Monza and Baku
Earlier this year Verstappen drew huge attention with an unofficial lap record in a Ferrari GT3 during private running on the Nordschleife
If all goes to plan, he is due to return on September 27 with Swiss outfit Emil Frey Racing for a full NLS outing in the Ferrari 296 GT3, which would be his first official GT3 race on the 12.9-mile circuit.
Earlier this year Verstappen drew huge attention with an unofficial lap record in a Ferrari GT3 during private running on the Nordschleife.
In official competition he will be bound by Balance of Performance regulations and must compete under his real licence, not the ‘Franz Hermann’ pseudonym used for non-competitive appearances.
Verstappen remains the benchmark in Formula One, with his victory at Monza keeping his faint title hopes alive.