The F1 world champion will drive a Mercedes AMG GT3
Max Verstappen will make his Nurburgring 24 Hours debut this year, driving a Red Bull liveried Mercedes AMG GT3.
The Formula 1 world champion has long had aspirations for competing in the German 24-hour event, and last year he took part in an NLS round, driving a Porsche GT4 in order to ensure he was eligible to take part in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in the future.
It was never guaranteed that Verstappen would compete in this year's race, but with the date of the race now taking place in between F1 races - the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix - it's become a viable option for the Red Bull driver.
Verstappen will be driving a Mercedes AMG GT3 in the race, and will be partnered by experienced drivers Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.
Speaking about the announcement, Verstappen said: "The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There’s no other track like it.
"The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now.
"Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won.
"That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our programme this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.
"We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.
"Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximise everything in the races."
This year's Nurburgring 24 Hours takes place on 16 May, 2026.
Max Verstappen will make his Nurburgring 24 Hours debut this year, driving a Red Bull liveried Mercedes AMG GT3.
The Formula 1 world champion has long had aspirations for competing in the German 24-hour event, and last year he took part in an NLS round, driving a Porsche GT4 in order to ensure he was eligible to take part in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in the future.
It was never guaranteed that Verstappen would compete in this year's race, but with the date of the race now taking place in between F1 races - the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix - it's become a viable option for the Red Bull driver.
Verstappen will be driving a Mercedes AMG GT3 in the race, and will be partnered by experienced drivers Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.
Speaking about the announcement, Verstappen said: "The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There’s no other track like it.
"The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now.
"Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won.
"That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our programme this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.
"We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.
"Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximise everything in the races."
This year's Nurburgring 24 Hours takes place on 16 May, 2026.
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