Max Verstappen to race the Mercedes GT3 at the Nürburgring 24 Hours

The line between simulated racing and reality is becoming increasingly thinner for Max VerstappenThe four-time world champion of Formula 1 has officially broken the ice, announcing a commitment that smells of history and visceral challenge: participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring 2026This is not just a one-off appearance, but a project structured under the banner of its own team, the Verstappen Racing, which for the occasion will enjoy the technical support of Mercedes-AMG and the usual global patronage of RedBull.

The livery unveiling reflected the adrenaline-fueled style the Dutch driver has accustomed his fans to. The German athlete Max Manow The team unveiled the car's colors with a dizzying 131-meter BASE jump, launching itself into the cooling tower in Meppen. The Mercedes-AMG GT3, which will bear the iconic number 3 on its nose, will wear a Red Bull livery that blends the aesthetics of the Formula 1 world with the technical requirements of high-level GT3 racing.

Verstappen at the Nordschleife: Nothing happens by chance.

Verstappen does not land on Nordschleife by chance. The apprenticeship began in 2025, when the Dutchman obtained the DMSB Nordschleife license needed to compete on the most dangerous track in the world. After his preparatory debut in a Porsche Cayman GT4, the leap in quality came during the NLS9 last September. On that occasion, at the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3 and paired with Chris Lulham, Max dominated the scene, jumping from third place to the lead right from the start and maintaining an embarrassing supremacy for the track specialists during his two driving stints.

For 2026, the schedule is tight. Before the big classic in May, Verstappen will be competing in the NLS1, in the NLS2 of March 21 and in the specific qualifying sessions for the 24 Hours. This planning will have to fit in perfectly with the Formula 1 calendar, confirming the driver's ability to move from the speed of single-seaters (perhaps a little slower today, ed.) to the management skills and consistency required by endurance racing.

An “All-Star” lineup for the assault on victory

The Verstappen Racing team has left nothing to chance when it comes to the crew, too. Alongside the Dutch champion, they will have three top-level GT drivers: the Spaniard Dani juncadella, the Andorran Jules Gounon and the Austrian lucas auerThis is a team that combines pure speed and decades of experience in endurance racing, essential elements for surviving the changeable weather conditions of the Eifel and the constant traffic of the nearly two hundred crews usually registered for the German marathon.

On his new adventure, Max Verstappen He expressed his enthusiasm: “I consider the Nürburgring an absolutely magical place, a special place where no other track can even begin to compare. Competing in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring has been on my bucket list for a very long time, so I'm really thrilled to finally have the opportunity to make this goal a reality now. Last season, I managed to obtain the DMSB license for the Nordschleife and took part in the NLS9, a race we were able to win on our debut.”

"That preparation phase proved extremely valuable for us, as it allowed us to learn so many secrets that we'll be able to exploit in this year's program, from NLS2 to the 24 Hours. We can count on a very competitive team with Dani, Jules, and Lucas, as well as the essential support provided by Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Our sole objective now is to prepare for each individual event as meticulously as possible so we can express our full potential when we get to race."

The precedent: the victory in the NLS championship

The bond between Verstappen and the Green Hell was strengthened precisely thanks to that victory he achieved last September in the "4 Hours of Nürburgring." On that occasion, his ability to adapt immediately to a GT3 car left the experts speechless. Max handled the start with clinical composure, flying solo before handing over to Lulham.

Remembering that winning debut, Max Verstappen He reiterated his philosophy of gradual growth: “Yes, I have to say that the experience was absolutely fantastic in every way. The first two driving sessions I did went really well, allowing us to build a solid lead. I already knew from qualifying that our car responded perfectly in the dry; we didn't make any significant mistakes, and taking the win here on the first attempt was obviously a wonderful achievement.”

The entire event will be heavily covered by the media, with the entire broadcast available live on Red Bull TV and Red Bull Motorsports' official social media channels, allowing fans around the world to follow every inch of Verstappen's pursuit of the most coveted trophy in German endurance racing. The challenge is on: the man who dominates Formula 1 is ready to take on the legend of the Nordschleife.