Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is set to compete in this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours, adding one of endurance racing’s most iconic events to his programme with a Mercedes AMG GT3 entered under the Verstappen Racing banner and backed by Red Bull.
The Dutchman will team up with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella for the famous race, which is scheduled for 16 and 17 May and fits into the calendar between the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May and the Canadian Grand Prix on 24 May.
Verstappen will also take part in the NLS2 preparation race on 21 March as part of his build-up to the endurance classic, having already gained valuable Nordschleife experience last year when he obtained his DMSB permit and won NLS9.
The 28-year-old described the Nürburgring as a special place and said the 24-hour race had been on his bucket list for a long time. He added that the experience gained last season was important because it helped lay the foundations for this year’s programme.
The event is one of the most demanding in world motorsport, combining the historic Nordschleife with the modern grand prix circuit in a long and unforgiving layout widely known as the Green Hell. Verstappen and his teammates will share the Mercedes in separate stints across the race.
The move underlines Verstappen’s desire to explore other forms of racing alongside Formula 1, with the Red Bull star having already spoken in recent months about seeking enjoyment and fresh challenges beyond the grand prix paddock.
One small detail worth noting is that reports indicate Verstappen’s Nürburgring preparation entry on 21 March will run under number 3, even though he is best known in Formula 1 for number 1 as reigning champion. That appears to reflect this specific programme rather than a change to his F1 identity.
