Max Verstappen to Make 24 Hours of Nürburgring Debut with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is set to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year, marking his first official entry into an endurance race. Verstappen will drive for Verstappen Racing, a team running a Mercedes-AMG GT3, alongside Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. RacingNews365 first reported the news on March 9, 2026.

Preparation and Licensing

Verstappen’s participation follows a period of preparation that began in 2025. He completed 14 laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a Porsche Cayman GT4, earning him the necessary DMSB Permit Nordschleife license to compete in GT3 machinery. Motorsport.com details this progression.

He further honed his skills by winning the ninth round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) in a Ferrari 296 GT3 after obtaining his permit. He is scheduled to participate in the second round of the 2026 NLS on March 21st, a week after the Chinese Grand Prix, as a final preparation for the 24-hour race. RacingNews365

Race Details and Team Support

The 24-hour race is scheduled for May 14–17. Verstappen’s team will operate under the name Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, run by Team Winward Racing, and will feature the #3 livery he uses in Formula 1, with significant branding support from Red Bull. Motorsport.com

Should the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix be cancelled due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Verstappen would be able to participate in qualifying for the 24-hour race on April 18–19. RacingNews365

Verstappen’s Comments

“The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place,” Verstappen stated. “There’s no other circuit like it. The 24 Hours of the Nürburgring has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m thrilled we can now make it a reality.” He also emphasized the value of his previous experience, stating, “Last year, I got my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and competed in NLS9, which we won. That preparation is invaluable, because we learned a lot that we can apply to our program this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.” Motorsport.com

Verstappen added, “We have a strong lineup with Dani, Jules, and Lucas, and fantastic support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s all about the right preparations before the events so we can maximise our performance in the races.”