Weekend Highlights: Verstappen Clinches First GT3 Victory with Ferrari
Max Verstappen Shines with GT3 Victory at Nürburgring
Verstappen Claims First GT3 Win at Nürburgring
Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, marked his GT3 debut with a triumphant win at the renowned Green Hell. Teaming up with Chris Lulham, Verstappen drove Emil Frey Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 to victory in the 57th edition of the 4 Hours of Barbarossapreis, part of the 2025 ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie.
Emerging from a challenging qualifying session hindered by heavy fog, Verstappen started third on the grid. The Dutch driver quickly took the lead just 30 minutes into the race and maintained a significant advantage until handing the car over to Lulham, who brought it home for the win. Meanwhile, the number 21 Frikadelli Racing Ferrari, driven by Klaus Abbelen, captured a second-place finish in the SP9 class.
Scuderia Praha’s Title Hopes Dashed in 24H Series
Scuderia Praha’s number 56 Ferrari 296 GT3 faced disappointment at the 24H Series in Barcelona. Arriving eight points behind the series leaders, the car, driven by Josef Kràl and his team, couldn’t close the gap after a mechanical issue forced it into the pits for extended repairs. Despite leading early in the race, they finished 13th overall, placing second in the Pro Am class.
Era Motorsport’s number 81 Ferrari, piloted by a diverse team including Dwight Merriman and Kyle Tilley, secured a respectable third place in the final class standings, while Into Africa Racing’s entry had a rough round, leaving the race without finishing.
Italian GT Championship Heats Up at Imola
The Italian GT Championship Sprint series race at Imola proved crucial for several teams vying for the national crown. Ferrari–Raghunathan’s number 51 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 maintained hopes for the title with a fifth-place finish and a win in Race-2 of the Pro Am class. Close behind were teammates Colavita and Badawi with second and third-place finishes.
In the GT3 Am category, Hudspeth and Duran secured strong positions in the number 27 Ferrari 296 GT3. The one-make series saw notable performances from Best Lap and Pinetti Motorsport, both achieving podium results. The final showdown is set for Monza, with all titles to be decided from 24 to 26 October.
