Max Verstappen’s Nürburgring 24 Hours Debut Drives Record Demand

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will contest his first 24-hour endurance race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours on 16 May 2026. He will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo entered by Team Winward under the Verstappen Racing banner. The line-up pairs Verstappen with seasoned GT specialists Lucas Auer, Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon. Qualifying begins on Thursday 14 May, with the race starting at 15:00 CEST on Saturday 16 May and finishing on Sunday 17 May.

Max Verstappen reveals clear target at Nurburgring 24h debutMax Verstappen narrowly backed to win Nurburgring 24h debutFull schedule of the 24 hours of Nurburgring 2026Max Verstappens's Nurburgring 24 Hours teammates GT aces Lucas Auer, Dani Juncadella and Jules GounonESPNVerstappen faces 40-car battle for Nürburgring 24h gloryMax set for 24h Nurburgring debut: 'Success would mean winning'Max Verstappen inspires Nyck de Vries to target NürburgringGeorge Russell reveals Nurburgring F1 record attempt plan"The most fun I've had all year" - Verstappen's F1 colleagues envy his Nurburgring bid

The event, often called the “Green Hell,” combines the 20.8 km Nordschleife with the GP-Strecke for a lap of more than 25 km. First held in 1970, the Nürburgring hosted Formula 1 Grand Prix races until safety concerns moved F1 to the modern Grand Prix layout. Its reputation for extreme length, elevation change and weather variability makes it a benchmark for endurance racing.

George Russell reveals Nurburgring F1 record attempt plan

Lucas Auer brings 167 DTM starts, eleven victories and a 2023 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup win. Dani Juncadella, a former Macau Grand Prix winner, secured the FIA European F3 title (2012) and GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup and Intercontinental GT Challenge titles (2022). Jules Gounon adds two Spa 24 Hours overall wins, three Bathurst 12 Hour victories and a 2023 GTD Pro class win at Daytona. Their collective experience supplies Verstappen with “hundreds of GT race starts and titles” across major endurance series.

Max Verstappens's Nurburgring 24 Hours teammates GT aces Lucas Auer, Dani Juncadella and Jules GounonMax Verstappen reveals clear target at Nurburgring 24h debutMax Verstappen inspires Nyck de Vries to target NürburgringMax set for 24h Nurburgring debut: 'Success would mean winning'Max Verstappen narrowly backed to win Nurburgring 24h debutFull schedule of the 24 hours of Nurburgring 2026Verstappen faces 40-car battle for Nürburgring 24h glory"The most fun I've had all year" - Verstappen's F1 colleagues envy his Nurburgring bidESPN

Verstappen’s participation has driven the Nürburgring 24 Hours to a complete sell-out for the first time in its history, with only limited single-day tickets remaining for Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The weekend schedule includes two qualifying sessions on Thursday (13:15-15:15 and 20:00-23:30), three Top-Qualifying sessions on Friday, a 10:00-11:00 warm-up on Saturday, followed by the 24-hour race.

Full schedule of the 24 hours of Nurburgring 2026

Verstappen has repeatedly stated that his primary objective is victory: “Success would mean winning.” He emphasizes that the effort is “not going to be easy” but that the team is “focused on the whole experience, sharing the car with teammates and working throughout the weekend.” He also notes that Verstappen Racing aims to “create opportunities for other drivers,” citing the transition of sim-racers such as Chris Lulham to real-world competition. Preparation has been grounded in extensive simulator work, with Verstappen reporting “thousands of laps” on the virtual Nordschleife and participation in online 24-hour races.

Max Verstappen narrowly backed to win Nurburgring 24h debutMax Verstappen reveals clear target at Nurburgring 24h debutVerstappen faces 40-car battle for Nürburgring 24h gloryESPNMax set for 24h Nurburgring debut: 'Success would mean winning'Max Verstappen inspires Nyck de Vries to target NürburgringMax Verstappens's Nurburgring 24 Hours teammates GT aces Lucas Auer, Dani Juncadella and Jules GounonFull schedule of the 24 hours of Nurburgring 2026George Russell reveals Nurburgring F1 record attempt plan"The most fun I've had all year" - Verstappen's F1 colleagues envy his Nurburgring bid

Several Formula 1 drivers have voiced interest in the Nordschleife. McLaren’s Lando Norris described his recent Nordschleife test as “the most fun I’ve had all year.” Mercedes driver George Russell disclosed a rejected request to attempt an F1-car lap record on the circuit, saying, “I did once try having a conversation with Toto about putting the F1 car around there and breaking the all-time lap record.” Kimi Antonelli expressed a desire to race alongside Verstappen, stating, “I would love to do an endurance race with Max together.” Verstappen himself has criticised the 2026 F1 power-unit regulations, calling the new cars “anti-racing” and likening them to “Mario Kart,” a sentiment that underpins his turn to “real motorsport.”

George Russell reveals Nurburgring F1 record attempt plan"The most fun I've had all year" - Verstappen's F1 colleagues envy his Nurburgring bidESPNMax Verstappens's Nurburgring 24 Hours teammates GT aces Lucas Auer, Dani Juncadella and Jules GounonMax Verstappen narrowly backed to win Nurburgring 24h debutMax Verstappen inspires Nyck de Vries to target NürburgringVerstappen faces 40-car battle for Nürburgring 24h gloryMax Verstappen reveals clear target at Nurburgring 24h debut

• “It was the most fun I've had all year to be honest,” — Lando Norris, McLaren driver

"The most fun I've had all year" - Verstappen's F1 colleagues envy his Nurburgring bid

• “Verstappen responded: "Success would mean winning.” — Max Verstappen, Verstappen Racing driver

Max Verstappen narrowly backed to win Nurburgring 24h debut

• “I did once try having a conversation with Toto about putting the F1 car around there and breaking the all-time lap record.” — George Russell, Mercedes driver

George Russell reveals Nurburgring F1 record attempt plan

• “I would love to do an endurance race with Max together,” — Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes driver

"The most fun I've had all year" - Verstappen's F1 colleagues envy his Nurburgring bid

• “What the team mainly represents is also creating opportunities for other drivers” — Max Verstappen, Verstappen Racing

Max set for 24h Nurburgring debut: 'Success would mean winning'

Verstappen has indicated that the Nürburgring 24 Hours could become an annual fixture for his team, whether as a single entry or an expanded program. The heightened public interest suggests that future editions may continue to attract Formula 1 talent and broader fan engagement.

ESPN