Nürburgring, Germany – Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, is expanding his racing horizons. The Dutch driver will create his debut at the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May, while Red Bull Racing simultaneously announced a significant multi-year partnership with Adidas. The developments signal a broadening of Verstappen’s racing ambitions and a strategic move for the Red Bull organization.
The announcement regarding Verstappen’s participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours came on March 9, 2026. He will compete with Mercedes, supported by his existing Red Bull Racing team, fielding a Mercedes AMG-GT3 car prepared by Winward Racing. This venture, according to a team statement, reflects Verstappen’s “love for racing and his continued push to test the limits of driving.” The Nürburgring Nordschleife holds a special appeal for the driver, who stated, “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 isn’t entering the race unprepared. He secured his DMSB Permit Nordschleife last year and participated in NLS9, which his team won. He’ll further prepare by entering NLS2 on March 21, using the number 3 – mirroring his Formula 1 entry number this season. This preparation is considered valuable, as the team has gleaned insights that will inform their program for both NLS2 and the 24-hour race.
The driver demonstrated his aptitude for GT3 racing with a victory in his debut in the Nürburgring Endurance Series in September 2025. Starting third, Verstappen took the lead and established a substantial advantage, which teammate Chris Lulham extended in the second stint to secure the win. This early success underscored Verstappen’s potential in endurance racing.
Red Bull Racing and Adidas Forge Recent Partnership
Alongside Verstappen’s endurance racing plans, Red Bull Racing unveiled a long-term partnership with Adidas. The deal, revealed in a visually striking manner with a BASE jump into a cooling tower to showcase the new Red Bull livery, marks a significant commercial move for the team. The unveiling took place with aerial athlete Max Manow completing a 131-meter BASE jump.
While financial details of the Adidas partnership were not disclosed, it’s described as a “millionendeal” and represents a substantial investment in the Red Bull Racing program. The collaboration is expected to extend beyond trackside apparel, potentially encompassing lifestyle and performance wear. This partnership signals Red Bull’s commitment to expanding its brand presence and reaching a wider audience.
Balancing F1 Commitments with Endurance Racing
Verstappen’s decision to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours while maintaining his Formula 1 schedule highlights his dedication to motorsport in all its forms. The demanding nature of both disciplines presents a logistical challenge, but Verstappen appears eager to embrace it. He previously expressed his love for endurance racing, and this opportunity allows him to pursue that passion alongside his F1 commitments.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is renowned for its difficulty, demanding both speed and consistency over a prolonged period. The track’s unique characteristics – its length, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather – make it a formidable test for any driver. Verstappen’s success will depend not only on his raw speed but also on his ability to adapt to the challenges of endurance racing and work effectively with his team.
Recent reports suggest Verstappen is still considering his long-term future in Formula 1, taking time to evaluate his options. However, his commitment to the Nürburgring 24 Hours demonstrates a clear desire to explore new challenges and expand his racing repertoire. His family is also providing support during a challenging time, with his sister, Victoria Verstappen, expressing her encouragement.
Recent Challenges and Continued Focus
The past few months have presented challenges for the Verstappen family. A recent crash involving his father, Jos Verstappen, added to the emotional strain. Despite these difficulties, Max remains focused on his racing endeavors. He recently commented on Formula 1 rule changes, describing them as “not more than a kietel” – suggesting they are minor adjustments.
The Nürburgring also holds somber memories, following a recent fatal crash. Verstappen acknowledged the inherent risks of motorsport, noting that even cycling in Amsterdam can be dangerous. This awareness underscores the courage and dedication required to compete at the highest levels of racing.
Looking ahead, Verstappen will continue to balance his Formula 1 commitments with preparations for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. His participation in NLS2 on March 21 will provide valuable track time and allow him to refine his strategy for the main event in May. The combination of his F1 experience, his recent GT3 success, and the support of Red Bull Racing and Mercedes positions him as a strong contender in the endurance race.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Max Verstappen is the NLS2 race on March 21st, where fans can observe his preparation for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on Verstappen’s progress and the Red Bull Racing-Adidas partnership.
