Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, will make his inaugural appearance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race this May, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 adorned in Red Bull livery. The event takes place on the notoriously challenging Nordschleife track in Germany, marking a significant expansion of Verstappen’s racing endeavors beyond Formula 1.
The Red Bull-branded Mercedes will compete under Verstappen Racing, with the driver aiming to leverage his growing experience on the Nordschleife, having already obtained his GT3 licence and secured a win at a Nurburgring Endurance Series race last year with British driver Chris Lulham in a Ferrari.
Preparation and Racing Schedule at Nurburgring
Before the highlight 24-hour race from May 14-17, Verstappen will participate in an NLS race at the Nurburgring on March 21. This event falls between the Chinese and Japanese Formula 1 Grands Prix, while the 24-hour race is scheduled during the break between the Miami and Canadian GPs, demonstrating Verstappen’s ability to balance commitments in multiple racing formats.
Driving alongside Verstappen in the Mercedes GT3, operated by Winward Racing, will be Spanish driver Daniel Juncadella, Andorran racer Jules Gounon, and Austrian competitor Lucas Auer, forming a formidable lineup for the endurance challenge.
Max Verstappen Reflects on the Nordschleife Experience
Verstappen expressed enthusiasm about racing on the Nordschleife, calling it a “special place” unlike any other track. He emphasized that competing in the 24-hour race had long been an ambition, now finally realized.
“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,”
Verstappen said.
“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.”
Verstappen’s Recent Performance and Outlook for Red Bull in F1
Following his debut season race setback in Australia, where a car failure during qualifying affected his grid position, Verstappen finished the Grand Prix in sixth place. Despite trailing race winner George Russell by nearly a minute, Verstappen remains optimistic about the potential of his Red Bull car.
“We have potential in the car, for sure. [The] engine side, I think we’re not too bad,”
Verstappen explained.
“At the moment, I think where our pace is lacking is half-half, so half car, half engine, which is not bad. Those are things that can be overcome, it’s not shocking.”
He praised the efforts of his team and engine specialists, acknowledging their hard work despite current challenges and expressed hope for improvement as the season progresses.
“That’s the thing also, I’m very negative about the rules, but I do feel really proud of the team and the engine side as well. The guys really have done an amazing job. So, from that side, I’m very happy to be working with them. I just wish that I enjoyed, a little bit more, driving-wise.”
Verstappen added,
“But still, they’ve done an incredible job to be where we are, to be fighting with McLaren, with the Mercedes engine. I think if we improve a little bit, we can fight a little bit further up front and then suddenly, of course, the world looks a bit better.”
“The rules are still the same, but the world does look a bit better in terms of how competitive we are. I hope, of course, that within a few races we can take a little step forward.”
Looking Ahead: Impact of Verstappen’s Endurance Racing and F1 Season
Verstappen’s participation in the demanding Nurburgring 24 Hours not only signals his passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1 but also his commitment to broadening his racing skill set on one of the world’s most challenging circuits. The combination of his endurance race preparation and competitive hopes in F1 illustrate his focused yet ambitious approach to the 2026 season.
The Nurburgring 24 Hours will offer vital experience for Verstappen and his co-drivers, while his reflections on Red Bull’s performance underscore a cautious but hopeful outlook for improvement throughout the Formula 1 season, which continues with the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix and a new Sprint weekend format.
