Verstappen’s mysterious GT3 foray sparks DTM plans: “Who knows where we’ll see him?” – Max Verstappen’s recent off-season escapades behind the wheel of GT3 machinery have sent shockwaves through the world of motorsport. Just weeks after the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion stunned fans and insiders alike with a secret appearance at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the 27-year-old’s growing number of outings in sports cars has sparked speculation about a potential appearance in the DTM.
Although he drove under the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’ during that infamous Nordschleife session, his lap times were undeniable. Even in unfamiliar territory, Verstappen demonstrated a pace that equalled or surpassed that of seasoned GT3 professionals. And, as if that were not enough, he was spotted again on Tuesday testing a GT3 Aston Martin at Spa-Francorchamps — his second high-profile GT3 outing in less than a month.
Although Verstappen insists that his focus remains on Formula 1, the motorsport community is starting to speculate that his interest in touring cars could lead to a guest appearance in Germany’s top touring car championship, the DTM.
The DTM door swings open
It’s no coincidence that Verstappen’s Nordschleife outing took place in a Ferrari 296 GT3 run by Emil Frey Racing, a team that also fields two of the same cars in the DTM. Verstappen’s testing partner? None other than Thierry Vermeulen: a fellow Dutchman, a regular in the DTM, and the son of Verstappen’s long-time manager, Raymond Vermeulen.
Speaking to Motorsport-Total.com, the younger Vermeulen didn’t rule out a possible Verstappen cameo in the series.
“That’s difficult to say,” he admitted when asked directly about the DTM rumours. “He’s not at the point where he’s really thinking about championships or even races yet. I think he enjoys the endurance stuff, too.”
Nevertheless, he dangled a tantalising possibility in the air. “But who knows? He’s still very young,’ added Vermeulen. ‘At the moment, the focus is clearly on performing in Formula 1, but it’s not impossible.”
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GT Racing: A Growing Affinity
Those close to Verstappen have long been aware of his affection for the GT3 scene. The Dutch superstar has previously spoken about his interest in long-distance racing and the raw, analogue joy of driving GT machinery. Unlike the hyper-optimised, surgically precise world of Formula 1, GT3 offers a different flavour, one that Verstappen seems to relish.
“He’s still enjoying the GT world,” confirmed Vermeulen.
“We’ve done a few test days together with Verstappen.com Racing and Emil Frey Racing over the past couple of years. He even made his Nordschleife debut recently. So clearly, there’s interest.”
It’s not just professional curiosity. Verstappen has even commissioned his own Ferrari 296 GT3, which is prepared and housed at Emil Frey’s Safenwil base in Switzerland. It’s a fully specced-up race car, identical to those competing in the DTM, which is maintained exclusively for Verstappen’s use during private tests. That level of commitment isn’t casual.
Verstappen.com Racing: The Sim-to-Track Dream
At the heart of this GT3 exploration lies Verstappen’s personal project, Verstappen.com Racing, a Red Bull-supported programme designed to nurture the next generation of racing talent. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between sim racing and real-world motorsport, helping gifted young drivers to make the transition from virtual laps to the physical tarmac.
While Verstappen.com Racing provides the branding and ambition, Emil Frey Racing brings the operational expertise. The Swiss outfit is the backbone of the programme’s real-world racing efforts, including Thierry Vermeulen’s own DTM campaign.
This setup enables Verstappen to be hands-on with the project’s development while also pursuing his passion for GT racing on a flexible, low-commitment basis. For now, it’s more of a hobby than a serious ambition, but that could change in an instant.
“He’s choosing a few test days that he enjoys,” said Vermeulen. “And who knows where we’ll see him next? Maybe one day, he’ll line up on a GT3 grid.”
DTM’s Star Power and Verstappen’s Potential Path
If Verstappen does eventually line up on a DTM starting grid, he’ll be following in the tyre tracks of several former F1 stars who have made high-profile appearances, or even permanent switches, to the championship. Mika Häkkinen, Jean Alesi and Ralf Schumacher all made the leap after their single-seater careers slowed down.
For Verstappen, however, the situation is slightly different.
At 27 and still in the prime of his Formula 1 career, he isn’t looking for a second act. Not yet, at least. But, as the DTM continues to attract top talent and raise its international profile, a one-off guest appearance could provide an attention-grabbing diversion without jeopardising his day job.
Former F1 drivers have historically made limited or one off appearances in various touring car series over the decades, Nigel Mansell and Derrick Warrick case in point with races in the British Touring Car Championship in the 90’s.
Emil Frey Racing insists that no serious talks have yet taken place regarding a DTM entry. But the infrastructure is in place. The car is ready. If Verstappen feels like scratching the competitive itch during a rare free weekend, the stage would be set.
What’s driving Verstappen?
The real question is: why now? Verstappen’s off-track activities in 2025 are no longer just occasional diversions. From Nordschleife tests to Spa stints, he is becoming increasingly active in the GT3 paddock. This is not the behaviour of a driver merely passing the time; it’s a sign that he is exploring what life beyond F1 might look like.
It’s no secret that Verstappen has become increasingly vocal about the demands of Formula 1’s ever-expanding calendar. The triple-headers, the travel and the sprint weekends have all begun to take their toll on the sport’s biggest star. While he is still under contract with Red Bull Racing until 2028, the appeal of other forms of motorsport, particularly those with a more flexible structure, is probably greater than ever.
GT3, with its global reach, diversity of machinery and relatively low media pressure, offers exactly that. And the DTM, with its prestige, televised exposure and technically demanding format, could serve as the perfect testing ground.
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A waiting game
For now, Verstappen remains cagey. There are no announcements, no plans and no schedules. However, his actions — lapping anonymously at the Nürburgring, testing in Spa and developing Verstappen.com Racing — paint a picture that words have yet to confirm.
Whether it’s a guest drive, an off-season endurance race or something more substantial, the prospect of seeing the name ‘M. Verstappen’ on a DTM grid has moved from fantasy to genuine possibility.
And, as Thierry Vermeulen so aptly put it: “He’s still very young. Who knows?”
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