What will be Verstappen's biggest challenge at the Nurbugring?

With the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring kicking off this weekend, much of the paddock’s attention will be focused on Max Verstappen. Having consistently expressed his desire to contest the event since at least 2022, the four-time Formula 1 world champion has already broken records ahead of his N24 debut.

For the first time ever, the Nürburgring 24 Hours will unfold before a capacity crowd, thanks in large part to Verstappen’s presence. The 28-year-old will be driving a Red Bull-liveried Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella and Lucas Auer.

In order to be able to contest this weekend’s race, Verstappen had to undergo a substantial programme which included getting his DMSB A permit.

Unsurprisingly, he and team-mate Chris Lulham won the first race he contested at the Nurburgring, becoming the first Formula 1 world champion to enter another category during his title defence since Keke Rosberg in 1983.

His next two visits to the Nürburgring were not as fruitful. He was disqualified from the second round of this year’s NLS, and his most recent outing last month was marred by the tragic passing of Juha Miettinen during qualifiers.

In the race on Sunday, Verstappen looked set for another emphatic win, only to have his efforts scuppered by an unspecified splitter issue.

One big hurdle Verstappen needs to navigate this weekend though is the dark, as he’s yet to drive the 12.9-mile circuit at night.

Verstappen has acknowledged the lack of nighttime running as a hindrance, one he doesn’t need, given the opposition.

No.16 Scherer Sport Audi R8

Having engaged in a memorable tussle with Verstappen during his most recent NLS outing, Christopher Haase in the No.16 Scherer Sport Audi is likely to be one of his biggest challengers.

The local hero took the overall win at the 2014 running of the event and has previously prevailed at the 24 Hours of Spa. His teammate, Alexander Sims, finished second at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2017 and has taken IMSA titles in both the GTP and GTD Pro classes.

Such is the calibre of driver being fielded by Scherer Sport that their least experienced contender, Ben Green, took top honours in the SP10 class at the Nürburgring in 2022. With a strong car and capable driver lineup on hand, Scherer Sport Audi will be a major contender for the win.

No.1 Rowe Racing BMW M4

The same can also be said for the No.1 Rowe Racing BMW M4. 2018 FIA GT World
Champion Augusto Farfus has won the Nürburgring 24 Hours on two previous occasions, the most recent of which came in 2025 with the same team/car combination.

He will be partnered by endurance veteran Kelvin van der Linde, who tasted victory at the ‘Ring in 2017, 2022 and in 2025 alongside Farfus. The team’s third entrant, Jordan Pepper, finished second in the 2024 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup and has experience in the Blancpain endurance series.

Rowe Racing boasts a sports-car-centric squad that has achieved significant
success in both GT3 machinery and on the Nürburgring itself. With experience, silverware and cohesion onside, Rowe Racing will be one to watch this weekend.

No.911 Manthey Racing Porsche

One of the most formidable fixtures of modern endurance racing, Kevin Estre will be spearheading Manthey’s efforts once again. With two World Endurance titles, a class win at Le Mans and a Nürburgring 24 Hours victory under his belt, Estre can lay claim to the title of pre-race favourite.

He will be joined by 2023 DTM champion Thomas Preining, who will be making his seventh N24 start this weekend. Partnering them will be Ayhancan Güven, who won the 2025 DTM championship and will be keen to go one better than his second-place finish at last year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours.

With a competitive package and arguably the strongest driver lineup of the entire field, Manthey Racing will be one of, if not the biggest hurdle, Verstappen will have to overcome.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours takes place on the 16th of May 2026.