Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is set to make his long-awaited debut at the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race this May, marking a thrilling new chapter in his already illustrious motorsport career. The 28-year-old Dutchman, who is currently contracted with Red Bull until 2028, will take on the grueling challenge behind the wheel of a Red Bull-liveried Mercedes-AMG GT3, competing under the Verstappen Racing banner and in partnership with the factory-supported Winward team.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours, held on the infamous Nordschleife circuit in Germany’s Eifel mountains, is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in motorsport. With its 15.7-mile (25.4km) layout combining the modern grand prix circuit and the treacherous, twisting Nordschleife—nicknamed “The Green Hell”—the event pushes drivers and machines to their absolute limits. Verstappen, who finished sixth in the 2026 Australian Grand Prix just days ago, has never hidden his admiration for endurance racing, and now, with a packed Formula 1 schedule, he’s making time to tick this iconic race off his bucket list.
“The Nürburgring is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring 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 explained, echoing his excitement in multiple interviews. “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 program this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.”
Verstappen’s journey to the Nürburgring 24 Hours has been methodical. In 2025, he secured his DMSB Permit Nordschleife—a requirement for competing on the daunting circuit—and promptly won the ninth round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), piloting a Ferrari 296 GT3 on his GT3 debut. That victory, achieved after qualifying third and seizing the lead early, underscored his versatility and adaptability as a driver. Chris Lulham, his teammate in that race, helped cement the win with a strong second stint.
For the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen will share driving duties in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with an impressive trio: Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. All three bring a wealth of experience in GT racing, with Juncadella also making headlines recently as a new Genesis Hypercar signing. This formidable line-up, combined with support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, positions Verstappen Racing as a serious contender against powerhouse teams like Manthey Porsche and ABT Sportsline.
Preparation is key, and Verstappen’s calendar reflects his commitment. He’ll compete in the four-hour NLS2 race on March 21—a date moved forward specifically to accommodate his Formula 1 commitments and ensure he can participate between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. This precursor event will serve as a crucial shakedown for the team, allowing them to fine-tune their approach ahead of the main event, which takes place from May 14 to 17, with the 24-hour race itself running May 16-17. The timing falls perfectly between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix, enabling Verstappen to balance both his F1 and endurance racing ambitions.
The car’s unveiling was as dramatic as Verstappen’s racing style. In true Red Bull fashion, the livery reveal featured aerial athlete Max Manow performing a breathtaking 131-metre BASE jump into a cooling tower, spotlighting the Red Bull colors that will adorn the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The car will carry Verstappen’s signature number 3, mirroring his Formula 1 entry and symbolizing his personal connection to the project.
Verstappen’s move to the Nürburgring comes at a time of growing tension within Formula 1. After the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, he voiced strong criticism of the sport’s new regulations, calling them “anti-racing” and urging F1 to listen to drivers. “I am of course also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at, but I know that we’re stuck with this regulation for quite a while,” Verstappen remarked, hinting that his foray into endurance racing is as much about passion as it is about finding joy behind the wheel amid ongoing debates about the direction of F1.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours itself is a spectacle. Since its inaugural running in 1970, the race has attracted hundreds of thousands of fans annually, with last year’s crowd topping 280,000. The field is massive, with up to 190 cars across more than 20 classes, all braving the circuit’s 73 corners and a staggering 300-metre elevation change between its highest and lowest points. The Nordschleife’s reputation for danger and drama is well-earned; it was dropped from the F1 calendar in 1976 for safety reasons, but remains a mecca for endurance racers and motorsport fans alike.
To compete, drivers must hold a DMSB Permit Nordschleife, which attests to their knowledge of the track’s unique demands. Verstappen’s rapid ascent in GT racing—securing his permit and winning on debut—demonstrates not only his raw talent but also his dedication to mastering every aspect of the sport. The 2026 edition of the race will see Verstappen and his teammates face off against a diverse grid, including factory-backed entries and privateer squads, all vying for glory in one of the sport’s most grueling events.
Mercedes will field two “Performance Teams” at the event, with Verstappen Racing’s #3 entry joined by the #80 Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL, featuring Maro Engel, Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz. Engel, notably, was part of the crew that delivered Mercedes’ last Nürburgring 24 win in 2016. For Verstappen, however, the focus is firmly on preparation and teamwork. “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 maximize everything in the races,” he emphasized.
As the countdown to May begins, anticipation is building—not just among Verstappen’s fans, but across the motorsport world. Will the F1 champion’s relentless drive and adaptability translate into endurance racing success? With a proven record, a top-tier team, and a car built for the challenge, Verstappen is poised to make headlines at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The motorsport community will be watching closely as he tackles “The Green Hell,” chasing a new kind of glory on one of racing’s most revered stages.
The action kicks off with NLS2 on March 21, setting the stage for a historic debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. Verstappen’s journey from Formula 1 dominance to endurance racing’s ultimate test is well underway—and the racing world can’t wait to see how this next chapter unfolds.