Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will participate in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race this year, driving for Mercedes. Scheduled to take place from May 14 to 17, the event marks Verstappen’s first entry in this iconic German race, where he will compete with the factory-supported Winward team under the Verstappen Racing banner.
Driver Lineup and Pre-Race Preparation
Verstappen will share the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 car with experienced factory drivers Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon, along with Daniel Juncadella, a recent Genesis Hypercar signing. Auer, Gounon, and Juncadella all have considerable experience on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, with Gounon and Juncadella also competing together in GT World Challenge Europe for Winward.
The team will participate in the NLS2 race on March 21 as a prelude to the 24-hour event. This race was rescheduled from March 28 at Mercedes’ request to accommodate Verstappen’s involvement, ensuring he could gain crucial track time without clashing with the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, where Verstappen also competes.
Verstappen’s Previous Experience on the Nordschleife
Last November, Verstappen’s only prior appearance on the Nurburgring Nordschleife was during the penultimate round of the season, driving an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3. However, this year he will be piloting the Mercedes-AMG GT3 model, reflecting a new partnership and elevated commitment to the endurance race.
The Nurburgring is a special place,
Verstappen said.
“There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nurburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now. Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won.”
– Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our programme this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race. We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximise everything in the races.
– Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Mercedes’ Dual Entry and Veteran Driver Details
Mercedes will field two entries in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, both managed by Winward. Alongside Verstappen’s squad, the second car will run under the Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL name. This entry features drivers Maro Engel, Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz, with Engel notably part of the team that last won the race for Mercedes in 2016 with Adam Christodoulou, Manuel Metzger, and Bernd Schneider.
Implications of Verstappen’s Entry for the Nurburgring 24 Hours
Verstappen’s participation in this prestigious endurance event brings significant attention to the Nurburgring 24 Hours, blending the excitement of Formula 1 with classic GT racing. His involvement alongside seasoned Mercedes and Winward drivers reflects both his passion for diverse motorsport disciplines and Mercedes’ strategic commitment to the German endurance scene.
The careful scheduling adjustments for the NLS2 race highlight the coordination between racing series to accommodate Verstappen’s dual commitments, underlining the importance of his appearance. With a strong driver lineup and extensive preparation planned, Verstappen and his team aim to deliver a competitive performance at one of the world’s most demanding endurance races, potentially influencing future crossover participation between top-tier single-seater and endurance racing events.
