Verstappen to Race Mercedes at Nürburgring 24 Hours
Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will compete in this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours, but with a twist: he’ll be behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3. The announcement, confirmed on Monday, March 9, 2026, comes less than a day after the opening race of the Formula 1 season under new technical regulations, a race Verstappen openly criticized.
A Highly Competitive Team
Verstappen expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge, and Mercedes has assembled a strong team to support him. He will be joined by factory drivers Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella. “The Nürburgring is a special place,” Verstappen said, “There’s no other track like it. The Nürburgring 24 Hour 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.”
He continued, “Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, where we won. This preparation was very valuable because we learned many things that we can exploit in this year’s program. With Dani, Jules and Lucas we have a strong line-up and we are receiving great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s about making the right preparations before the events, so that we can give everything in the races.”
Preparation and Testing
Verstappen will get some seat time before the main event, participating in the NLS2 race on March 21st as preparation for the 24-hour endurance race. Mercedes requested the date change from March 28th to allow Verstappen to participate, avoiding a clash with the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. This isn’t Verstappen’s first experience at the Nordschleife; he drove a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing in a previous NLS event last November.
The team will run under the “Verstappen Racing” banner, despite the car being a Mercedes-AMG GT3. The car will feature Red Bull branding. This unusual pairing highlights Verstappen’s desire to broaden his racing experience and tackle one of motorsport’s most demanding challenges.
A Unique Challenge for a Champion
The Nürburgring Nordschleife, often referred to as the “Green Hell,” is a notoriously difficult circuit, known for its length, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather. Successfully completing the 24-hour race requires not only speed but similarly consistency, strategy, and a reliable machine. For Verstappen, accustomed to the precision and relative predictability of Formula 1, the Nürburgring 24 Hours represents a significant departure.
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is scheduled for May 16-17, 2026. Verstappen and his teammates will pilot the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3. The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle for motorsport fans worldwide.
What In other words for Verstappen and Beyond
This venture into GT racing provides Verstappen with a unique opportunity to test his skills in a different environment. Whereas he remains firmly committed to Formula 1, the Nürburgring 24 Hours allows him to experience a different style of racing and collaborate with a new team. It also demonstrates his passion for motorsport beyond the pinnacle of the sport.
The move has also sparked some interesting reactions, particularly given Red Bull’s rivalry with Mercedes in Formula 1. Some observers have noted the irony of Verstappen, a key Red Bull driver, competing in a Mercedes-branded car. This situation has been particularly noted by fans of Ford, who recently partnered with Verstappen for branding purposes.
Verstappen’s participation adds significant star power to the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and is expected to draw a large crowd and increased media attention. The race will be a true test of his adaptability and endurance, and a fascinating spectacle for fans to witness.
The NLS2 race on March 21st will serve as a crucial shakedown for the team, allowing Verstappen to familiarize himself with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the unique challenges of the Nordschleife. Further participation in additional NLS events is possible, depending on the Formula 1 schedule.
Fans can follow updates on the Nürburgring’s official X (formerly Twitter) account: https://x.com/nuerburgring.
Next up for Verstappen is the continuation of the Formula 1 season, with the next race yet to be determined. However, all eyes will be on his performance at the NLS2 race on March 21st as he prepares for the ultimate test at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. What are your thoughts on Verstappen’s move to Mercedes for this iconic endurance race? Share your predictions and comments below!
