Verstappen shines on Green Hell GT3 debut

©Ferrari

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©Ferrari

Fog-shrouded Nordschleife? No sweat for our four-time F1 champ Max Verstappen!

On Saturday, the Dutch destroyer stormed to P3 on the grid for his GT3 debut in the NLS ninth round –rocketing his Emil Frey Ferrari 296 to provisional pole on wets with an 8:46.694, then slashing it to 8:37.818 for a 20-second gap!

A late switch to the slicks and traffic couldn't dim his fire; just three secs off pole, but Max was buzzing: "We're in the fight for the win!"

Fast-forward: The 4-hour thriller is underway and 90 minutes in, Verstappen's leading by a comfortable margin in his #31 296 GT3 – teamed with Chris Lulham.

Why are we not surprised?

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.