Four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen is set to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, marking his debut in the iconic endurance race. The 28-year-old Dutch driver will take the wheel for Mercedes-AMG during the race weekend of May 14-17, according to a press release from Mercedes-AMG. He will be a designated driver for the Verstappen Racing team, which also includes Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella.
“The Nürburgring is a special place,” Verstappen said in the statement. “There’s no other track like it. The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled One can make it happen now.” He added that the focus now is on “making the right preparations for the events so that we can acquire everything out of it in the races.”
The commitment to the Nürburgring 24 Hours doesn’t conflict with Verstappen’s Formula 1 schedule. Two weeks before the race in Germany, he will be competing in Miami, USA, and a week later, he will race in Montreal, Canada, as he continues his championship bid.
Expanding Beyond Formula 1: A Growing Interest in Endurance Racing
This venture into endurance racing represents a broadening of horizons for Verstappen, who has already demonstrated his adaptability and skill behind the wheel of different racing machines. Last year, after obtaining his DMSB Permit Nordschleife, he celebrated a victory in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3. He impressively outperformed his competition in the four-hour race, laying the foundation for a win on the notoriously challenging “Green Hell.” “To win here for the first time – super,” Verstappen said at the time.
Verstappen’s participation is being facilitated by a partnership between his own team, Verstappen Racing, and Winward Racing, running a Mercedes-AMG GT3. RacingNewsToday confirmed Verstappen’s participation with Winward Racing. This collaboration underscores the growing appeal of the Nürburgring 24 Hours to top-tier motorsport athletes.
The Nürburgring, often referred to as the “Green Hell” due to its demanding 13.7-mile (22.1 km) layout and unpredictable weather conditions, presents a unique challenge even for seasoned racers. The combination of high speeds, tight corners, and varying elevations requires exceptional skill, precision, and endurance. For a Formula 1 driver accustomed to the controlled environment of grand prix circuits, the Nürburgring offers a stark contrast and a test of adaptability.
Looking Ahead: Le Mans on the Radar?
The Nürburgring may not be the only foray into long-distance racing for Verstappen. He has also expressed interest in competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, potentially alongside former World Champion Sebastian Vettel. “I would really like to do that,” Verstappen stated. “But of course, only if we can fight for wins. You have to work with the right team, so it’s a bit difficult to say when that can happen.”
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, another legendary endurance race, is considered one of the most prestigious events in motorsport. A potential entry for Verstappen would further solidify his reputation as a versatile and ambitious racer. However, as he rightly points out, success at Le Mans requires a competitive team and a well-prepared strategy.
Verstappen’s move to participate in the Nürburgring 24 Hours is a testament to his passion for motorsport and his willingness to embrace new challenges. It also highlights the increasing crossover between Formula 1 and endurance racing, as drivers seek to broaden their skill sets and compete in different disciplines. The race will be a significant event for both Verstappen and the Mercedes-AMG team, and fans around the world will be watching with keen interest.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is scheduled to commence on May 16th, 2026. Verstappen and his teammates will be aiming for a strong performance against a field of highly competitive drivers, and teams. Following the Nürburgring race, Verstappen will return to Formula 1 action for the Canadian Grand Prix on June 7th, 2026.
Fans can follow Verstappen’s progress and receive official updates through his team’s website, Verstappen.com, and Mercedes-AMG’s official channels.
