Max Verstappen is set to participate in the upcoming Nurburgring 24 Hour race on May 16, driving for Winward Racing with backing from energy drink company Red Bull. Verstappen will share the Mercedes-AMG GT3 car numbered #3, a nod to his Formula 1 race number, alongside experienced factory Mercedes-AMG drivers Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. Their collaboration aims to tackle one of the most demanding endurance races on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Preparations Begin with Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie Events
Before the 24-hour event, the team will compete in several Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) races to prepare. These races include NLS1 on March 14, NLS2 on March 21, and the Nurburgring 24 qualifiers on April 18-19. Verstappen will not participate in NLS1 due to a scheduling conflict with the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai but will join for NLS2 and subsequent events. These races serve as important practice opportunities to synchronize the drivers and optimize their performance at the Nordschleife.
Verstappen Expresses Enthusiasm for Racing at the Nordschleife
Max Verstappen highlighted the significance of racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a circuit unlike any other, emphasizing the long-held ambition to compete in the 24-hour endurance race. He reflected on his preparation, noting the value of earning a DMSB Permit Nordschleife and winning NLS9 last year, which has contributed to the team’s strategy moving forward with NLS2 and the main endurance race.
“The Nurburgring Nordschleife is a special place,” said Verstappen.
“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. 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.”
Teammates Bring Experience from Previous Endurance Races
Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon, two of Verstappen’s teammates, bring valuable endurance racing experience to the team, each having competed earlier this year at the Bathurst 12 Hour. Auer was part of Craft-Bamboo Racing while Gounon raced with Kenny Habul’s 75 Express squad. Both drivers are optimistic about their prospects at the Nürburgring 24 Hour event, complementing Verstappen’s entry into GT3 endurance racing.
“I am really looking forward to this year,” said Auer.
He described the driver lineup and event as exceptional, reaffirming his commitment to thorough preparation and maximizing the overall team’s performance.
“The key now is to prepare ourselves optimally and get the most out of our overall package.”
Gounon shared his enthusiasm about returning to the Nürburgring 24 Hour after a year away, motivated by past success and the opportunity to strengthen results with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing.
“It’s great to be back at the 24-hour race after a year away. Finishing on the podium in 2022, my ambition is clearly to go for an even stronger result this time. Since joining the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in the GT World Challenge, it’s good to work with them as well at the Nordschleife. That continuity helps us build momentum and work efficiently together. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has proven to be a strong package at the Nürburgring, and with Luggi, Dani and Max we have a very competitive line-up.”
“We all share the same mindset and approach. I already had two amazing test days with Max in Estoril, and I’m sure that we will prepare best for the Nürburgring campaign.”
Ambitions and Simulator Preparation Drive Team Confidence
Although Auer, Gounon, and Juncadella have all competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hour race before, none have yet secured a victory there. Juncadella, who has raced extensively on the Nordschleife, expressed his desire to finally win the event this year, highlighting the strength of their car and team.
“I love the 24h Nürburgring,” said Juncadella. He also mentioned the value of simulator practice as part of their preparation.
“I know Max quite well from his simulator racing team. Also preparing for the 24h Nürburgring in the simulator is very valuable, and we have already done a lot of preparation work.”
“I am very thankful to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, as well as to Genesis Magma Racing, whom I represent in the Hypercar programme, for giving me the approval to pursue this GT3 project.”
Event Outlook and Anticipated Impact
The Nurburgring 24 Hour race, scheduled for May 16, stands as one of motorsport’s most challenging endurance events, demanding resilience and coordination over the demanding Nordschleife layout. Max Verstappen’s entry with a highly skilled lineup signals a competitive challenge to established teams. The combination of Verstappen’s Formula 1 prowess, his teammates’ endurance racing experience, and strong manufacturer support from Mercedes-AMG and Red Bull creates expectations for a strong showing in the race and the supporting NLS events ahead.
