The four-time Formula 1 world champion is participating in a challenging event outside Formula 1 competition for a change. Max Verstappen is racing in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 vehicle supported by Red Bull Racing. This particular challenge has been part of Verstappen’s dreams for some time now, and he will get the opportunity to live up to his ambitions. Red Bull is backing him in the event because they want him to have something else that drives him other than Formula 1.
He had been preparing for this for a while now. The Dutch ace was able to complete six test runs at the Nordschleife within the past year, thus acquiring the necessary permit for participation in the race. Max Verstappen shares the No. 3 car with professional drivers such as Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. They had an impressive start after qualifying and emerged as real contenders for the victory very quickly.
Why the Nürburgring 24 Hours matters
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is one of endurance racing’s crown jewels. First held in 1970, it is staged on a 25-kilometre circuit that combines the modern Grand Prix track with the Nordschleife, the legendary “Green Hell.” The layout features around 170 corners, major elevation changes and little room for mistakes.
This year, 161 cars were entered across 23 classes. Up to 300,000 fans attend, giving the event a festival atmosphere. Verstappen is racing in the top SP9 category for GT3 cars, where the field includes machinery from Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and Lamborghini. Success depends not only on speed, but also on surviving 24 hours of traffic, changing weather and mechanical stress.
Why Red Bull approved Verstappen’s entry
There was not much for Red Bull to do to stop him. Verstappen has often made it clear that he wants to participate in races like the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Le Mans, and Daytona when he is at his best. He feels this is the perfect opportunity to try his hand at other types of racing and not wait till he leaves Formula One racing.
For the team, there is no downside. Former head of Red Bull, Christian Horner, once called Verstappen a “racing machine” since he never stops testing and racing. Team adviser Helmut Marko has once pointed out that Verstappen’s additional racing does keep him busy and sometimes even enhances his abilities in Formula One racing. Since Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull till 2028, there would be nothing wrong in letting him explore some new avenues.
Why Verstappen is driving a Mercedes
Whereas Red Bull faces off against Mercedes in Formula One, the world of GT racing is quite different. The team decides on which vehicle it believes will provide the highest chances for victory. Verstappen chose the Mercedes-AMG GT3 based on its speed and his solid partnership with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.
Verstappen’s car races under the Verstappen Racing team but is driven by Winward Racing, one of the most successful Mercedes customer teams. Verstappen has lined up Juncadella, Gounon, and Auer, who have years of GT and endurance racing experience. This has made Verstappen’s bucket list race very attainable halfway through the Formula One season.
