Verstappen to Compete at Nürburgring 24 Hours with Red Bull Support
Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will create his debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, competing with Mercedes and supported by Red Bull Racing. The announcement fulfills a long-held ambition for the Dutch driver, who has described the event as being “on my bucket list for a long time.”
Verstappen will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car fielded by Winward Racing, with Red Bull providing a special livery for the endurance race. The team will also participate in the NLS2 race on March 21, with Verstappen entering under the number 3, mirroring his Formula 1 entry this season. This participation underscores Verstappen’s passion for racing and his desire to continually challenge his driving skills.
“The Nürburgring Nordschleife 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.”
Verstappen’s preparation for the grueling 24-hour race includes a previous outing in the Nürburgring Endurance Series, where he secured a victory in September 2025 on his GT3 debut. Starting from third place, Verstappen and teammate Chris Lulham took the lead and built a substantial advantage, ultimately claiming the win.
The Verstappen Racing team, founded in 2022, has been actively involved in supporting drivers in competitions like the ADAC GT Masters and GT World Challenge Europe. Verstappen himself previously tested at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in May 2025, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 under the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’ and setting a new GT3 lap record.
For the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen will be joined by teammates Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. The team will also compete in the NLS1 and NLS2 four-hour events, as well as the 24 Hour Nurburgring Qualifiers, to fine-tune their preparation for the main race.
Viaplay will broadcast the NLS2 race and the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring live, offering fans the opportunity to watch Verstappen’s endurance racing debut. Motorsport.com reports that organizers have praised Verstappen’s approach, noting his refusal to request special privileges.
Red Bull has fully supported Verstappen’s venture into endurance racing, recognizing how much it means to the champion. RacingNews365 quotes sources saying, “His face lights up when he gets permission.”
Antonelli has expressed excitement about the possibility of racing alongside Verstappen in a long-distance event, calling it “supercool.” Formule1.nl details the young driver’s enthusiasm for a potential partnership.
The Nürburgring Nordschleife, known for its challenging 15.79-mile loop and diverse field of competitors, will provide a significant test for Verstappen and his team. Red Bull showcased the car and livery reveal in a thrilling fashion.
