Max Verstappen receives bonus award after Nordschleife GT3 debut victory

Max Verstappen received extra recognition following his performance alongside team-mate Chris Lulham at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with the Red Bull driver earning the 'Fahrer des Tages' (Driver of the Day) award.

Verstappen and Lulham, sharing the #31 Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, entered last weekend's ninth round of the NLS Series – a GT series held solely at the Nordschleife. 

It marked Verstappen's competitive GT debut, although looked at home racing the different machinery. 

The four-time world champion secured third on the grid for the #31, before taking the lead at the first corner of the four-hour race after sweeping around the outside of the polesitter. 

He remained in the lead for the entirety of the first two hours, at which point Lulham took over and brought the car home for a comfortable victory. 

While Lulham crossed the finish line with a 20-second advantage – he was caught out by several slow zones – Verstappen had built a 62-second lead when he jumped out of the car. 

The Dutchman was selected for the 'Fahrer des Tages' honour by event organisers and stadium announcers in acknowledgement of his performance during the event.

During the podium ceremony, the stadium announcer indicated that selecting the recipient had been clear, given the quality of Verstappen's display on the legendary German circuit.

The 'Fahrer des Tages' prize was established this year, well before there was any indication that the 27-year-old would participate in racing at the Nordschleife.

Verstappen making his GT3 debut represented a significant step towards his "dream" of entering the Nürburgring 24 Hours, an event which is firmly in his sights.