September 2025 will go down in motorsport history not only for Max Verstappen’s consecutive Grand Prix victories but also for a seismic event: his spectacular debut and dominant win at the Nurburgring Endurance Series in a Ferrari GT3. His astonishing speed, phenomenal adaptability, and cryptic remarks about the future have raised a significant question: Is the F1 champion considering a new path beyond the pinnacle of motorsport?

A Shocking GT3 Debut: Total Domination at the “Green Hell”

Just two weeks before the Nurburgring Endurance Series event, Max Verstappen secured the license required to compete in GT3 races. He completed his laps around the famous Nurburgring, also known as the “Green Hell,” in a specially tuned Porsche Cayman GT4. This swift preparation showcased Verstappen’s seriousness and determination as he ventured into an entirely new motorsport discipline.

On that memorable Saturday, Verstappen shared the cockpit of a Ferrari 296 GT3 with British driver Chris Lol for a grueling 4-hour race. Despite starting in third place after qualifying, it was clear Verstappen could have clinched pole position had he not encountered traffic on his lap. However, that setback did little to deter him. From the very first moments of the rolling start, Verstappen displayed his sharp instincts and superior skill. He quickly surged into the lead and, from there, never looked back.

Verstappen’s dominance was unprecedented. After just five laps, he had carved out a 16-second advantage over his closest competitor. By his first pit stop after the sixth lap, that lead had grown to 20 seconds. But the climax of his performance came when he handed the Ferrari over to his teammate, Lol, for the second half of the race: he had extended the lead to an incredible 62 seconds after only two hours behind the wheel. This was an “unbelievable” and “simply incredible” feat for a driver making his debut in this category. Lol successfully maintained this advantage, securing a convincing overall victory for the team.

Speaking after the race, Verstappen expressed his satisfaction, as quoted by Sky F1: “The first two stints went really well, the car worked perfectly in the dry. We had a bit of bad luck in qualifying, but in the race, everything with the traffic worked out fine. I think I didn’t make any major mistakes in those two stints, and to win here on my very first attempt—that’s just fantastic.” His words reflect a champion’s confidence and his complete mastery of the situation, regardless of the racing environment.

A Glorious September and Questions About the Future

This past September has truly been a month of radiant success for Max Verstappen. He claimed victory in two Formula 1 Grand Prix races—the Italian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Alongside these wins, securing his GT3 license and dominating the Nurburgring race on his first try has further cemented his status as one of the most versatile and talented drivers in the world today. With this momentum, Verstappen is sure to enter the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix brimming with confidence.

However, beyond the victories, Verstappen’s recent statements have revealed ambitions that extend far beyond Formula 1. He has openly expressed his intention to compete in other prestigious endurance races, such as Le Mans in the future and potentially the Nurburgring 24 Hours next year, the most prestigious GT race of the year. “Of course, I would really like to compete in the 24 hours at some point. If it happens next year, I’ll say so, but we still need more experience. That’s the way it is. So hopefully, we’ll do more races here next year,” Verstappen shared.

Most notably, Verstappen has hinted that his racing schedule could be adjusted depending on Red Bull’s performance in the 2026 F1 season. With new regulations set to be introduced, every team will face a fresh start, and the competitive pecking order remains a mystery. Verstappen has suggested that if Red Bull remains competitive, his focus will stay on F1. But if the team struggles, he might look to participate more in other motorsport events.

“For me, it’s very important to be able to do those things outside of F1. Of course, how much I can do during an F1 season is a bit tricky. Also, next year, with new regulations, it’s also hard enough in Formula 1. But yeah, we’ll just see how everything goes. It depends on how next season goes with the new rules. It’s impossible to say now if I can compete in other things outside of that,” he explained.

These comments not only highlight Verstappen’s versatility and thirst for new challenges but could also be interpreted as a subtle warning to Red Bull. As a top-tier champion, Verstappen constantly seeks the highest level of competition and wants to be with a team that can provide him with a competitive car. If Red Bull fails to maintain its edge in the new regulatory era, the possibility of him seeking fulfillment and challenges in other racing series is very real.

What Does the Future Hold for Max Verstappen?

The performance at the Nurburgring was more than just a victory; it was a powerful statement from Max Verstappen. He proved that his talent is not confined to the world of F1 but can shine brightly in any form of motorsport. His rapid adaptation, breathtaking speed, and insatiable desire for a challenge paint the portrait of a legendary driver who is constantly searching for new peaks to conquer.

The question of Verstappen’s long-term future in F1 will undoubtedly be a hot topic of discussion. With new regulations on the horizon, F1 is on the cusp of a promising but uncertain new chapter. In this context, Verstappen’s flexibility and his willingness to explore opportunities outside of F1 could reshape how we view the careers of top drivers. Whatever his ultimate choice may be, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen will continue to be the focal point of the global motorsport world, delivering dramatic performances and unpredictable twists for years to come.