Max Verstappen, Formula 1 world champion, is preparing for a new adventure outside the boundaries of the circus: his debut at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. For the first time, the Dutchman will tackle the legendary Nordschleife at the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3, joined by a team of expert GT drivers and supported by Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. An important step that combines a passion for speed, endurance challenges, and pure spectacle, promising unique thrills for racing fans.
Max Verstappen aims for the Nürburgring with Mercedes
Max Verstappen is preparing for a new challenge in his career: the Dutch champion will be at the start of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with the number 3. The official announcement comes a few days after the first Formula 1 Grand Prix held under the new technical regulations, dominated without difficulty by the Red Bull driver. After months of rumors and speculation, Verstappen thus turns one of the most coveted dreams of his career into reality: racing on the legendary Nordschleife.
The team supporting Verstappen is top-tier: alongside him will be Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer, official Mercedes drivers with experience in endurance races and on the German track. The team, named Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, will receive full support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, ensuring a competitive package capable of aiming for results in the two main races of the endurance season.
The Dutch champion does not hide his enthusiasm for this debut: “The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special circuit, unique in the world. The 24 Hours has been on my bucket list for a long time, and finally, I will be able to race there. Last year I obtained the DMSB license for the Nordschleife and participated in NLS9, which we won. This experience was fundamental and allows us to start with better preparation. With Dani, Jules, and Lucas, we have a strong and motivated team, and the support of Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport will allow us to give our best in the race.”
To arrive ready for the May marathon, Verstappen will also participate in NLS2, the second race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series, scheduled for March 21. The calendar also includes NLS1 (March 14) and the official qualifying for the 24 Hours (April 18-19), in order to progressively build rhythm and test the car in conditions similar to those of the main race. It is not excluded that, in case of changes to the Formula 1 calendar, Verstappen could take part in other races of the series.
The 2026 program of Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing marks an important step also for Verstappen Racing, committed to strengthening its path in GT3 races and high-level endurance events. The mixed line-up of expert drivers and constant technical support will make the team among the most competitive in the field.
The appointment with the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is set for May 16 and 17, and the race will be broadcast live on Viaplay, Red Bull TV, and the Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channel. Fans can therefore mark the date: Verstappen’s debut on the Nordschleife promises spectacle, adrenaline, and, certainly, unprecedented media attention.