Max Verstappen will make his debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, driving a Red Bull-branded Mercedes.
The four-time world champion will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 decked out in Red Bull colors and compete in the prestigious event, which includes a run on the fearsome Nordschleife under Verstappen Racing.
Last year, Verstappen drove twice on the Nordschliife, first obtaining his GT3 license before competing in a round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS), where he won alongside Britain’s Chris Lulam in a Ferrari.
He will return to the German venue in March, first competing in the NSL race on March 21st, the weekend between the Chinese and Japanese Grand Prix, and then the marquee 24-hour race from May 14th to 17th, between F1’s Miami Grand Prix and Canadian Grand Prix.
Verstappen will share driving duties throughout the 24 hours in the Winward Racing-managed Mercedes GT3 with Spain’s Daniel Juncadella, Andorra’s Jules Gounon and Austria’s Lucas Auer.
Max Verstappen will race a Mercedes GT3 car at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May (Credit: Mercedes-Benz)
“The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place,” Verstappen said.
“There is no other circuit that comes close to this. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really excited to be able to make it happen now.”
“Last year I obtained the DMSB permit Nordschleife and was able to participate in the winning NLS9.
“This preparation has been invaluable as I learned a lot from NLS2 and the 24-hour race that I can incorporate into this year’s program.
“We have a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas, and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s about preparing properly before the event so that we can get the most out of everything in the race.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Max Verstappen says he’s not overcomplicating Red Bull and joked that if he had to race a ‘shopping cart’ he’d drive it to the limit
Verstappen: “Red Bull has the potential for a car”
Verstappen crashed in Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix due to machine trouble during qualifying and finished sixth.
The four-time F1 world champion was following Lando Norris as he crossed the line, but race winner George Russell had already taken the checkered flag 54 seconds before Mercedes took the one-two.
Isak Hajar retired with a power unit failure, but Red Bull clearly had a significant lead over Mercedes and Ferrari on pure pace.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Isaac Hajjar’s Red Bull suffers mechanical trouble during Australian Grand Prix
“Our car definitely has potential. (In terms of) engine, I don’t think it’s too bad,” Verstappen said.
“At the moment, I think we’re missing half the pace, half the car, half the engine, but that’s not bad. Those are things that can be overcome, so it’s not shocking.”
“That’s true, I’m very negative about the rules, but I’m also really proud of the team and the engine. They’ve done a really great job. So from that aspect, I’m very happy to work with them. I just wish I had a little more fun with the driving.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen left confused after Q1 loss at Australian Grand Prix
“Still, they’ve done an incredible job for us to be here and to compete with McLaren and with the Mercedes engine. I think if we improve a little bit, we can fight a little higher. Then, of course, all of a sudden the world will look a little better.”
“The rules are still the same, but the world looks a little bit better in terms of competitiveness. Of course, we hope that within a few races we can make a little bit of progress.”
F1 heads to Shanghai this Friday for the first sprint weekend of the 2026 season, the Chinese Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
