Max Verstappen will expand his endurance racing ambitions in 2026 after Verstappen Racing confirmed plans to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring with a Mercedes-AMG GT3, run in partnership with Winward Racing and supported by Red Bull.
The programme represents another significant step in Verstappen Racing’s growing GT3 activities and underlines the team’s long-term ambition to compete in major endurance racing events. Operating as Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, the squad will field the proven Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the iconic German circuit.
To reveal the project, the team unveiled its striking Red Bull-inspired livery in spectacular fashion. BASE jumper Max Manow performed a 131-metre leap into a cooling tower, dramatically showcasing the new car in signature Red Bull style.
Preparation through the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie
Before tackling the 24-hour race, the team will gain experience through several rounds of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), which takes place on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing will contest NLS1 on 14 March, NLS2 on 21 March and the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on 18 and 19 April as part of its preparation. The team’s entry will carry the starting number 3.
Verstappen is expected to appear at NLS2 despite his demanding Formula 1 schedule, using the event to further prepare for the endurance classic. This comes after the race was moved forward by a week at Mercedes’ request.
What is the NLS?
The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie is Germany’s premier endurance racing championship held entirely on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Founded in 1977, the series features multiple races throughout the year, most lasting four hours.
The championship stands out because of its diverse grid. Amateur drivers compete in modified production cars while professional factory teams race high-performance GT machinery such as GT3 cars.
Grids regularly exceed 100 cars across numerous classes, creating heavy traffic and strategic challenges. Many teams use the series to prepare for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, making it a crucial proving ground for drivers and teams tackling the legendary circuit.
What is the Nürburgring 24 Hours?
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is one of the world’s most famous endurance races. First held in 1970, the event takes place annually at the Nürburgring in Germany using a combined layout of the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit.
The full lap stretches more than 25 kilometres, making it one of the longest circuits used in international motorsport. Up to 150 cars and more than 600 drivers can compete, with two to four drivers sharing each car.
The race features a remarkable variety of machinery, ranging from near-standard production cars to top-level GT3 machines. Rapidly changing weather conditions, night racing and constant traffic make it one of the toughest endurance challenges in motorsport.
Verstappen’s evolving journey in GT racing
Verstappen’s entry into the Nürburgring 24 Hours marks the latest chapter in his expanding interest in endurance racing. While he built his reputation in Formula 1, the Dutch driver has increasingly explored GT racing in recent years.
His preparation for racing on the Nordschleife began in the simulator, where he completed thousands of laps to familiarise himself with the circuit’s unique characteristics. The Nordschleife’s extreme length, elevation changes and constantly changing grip levels make it one of the most technically demanding tracks in the world.
Verstappen also tested GT3 machinery at the Nürburgring, famously driving under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann”. The outing allowed him to gain valuable experience in traffic with different classes of cars while working closely with teams aiming to compete at the circuit.
In addition, he successfully obtained the required DMSB Permit A that allows drivers to compete in top-level categories on the Nordschleife. During that process, he completed race stints in the NLS with a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport run by Lionspeed GP, gaining first-hand experience of the circuit’s demanding race conditions. Notably, however, Verstappen had technically failed to meet all of the standard conditions to obtain his permit. While he successfully completed the required fourteen laps in the #980, damage to its sister car, the #89 prevented it from running and from meeting the two-car requirement. However, following review, the DPN recognised that Verstappen had demonstrated sufficient competence and commitment during his time on track and awarded him the license despite the circumstances.
He later went on to compete in Round 9 of the 2025 NLS, securing victory on debut alongside teammate Lulham. These steps formed part of Verstappen’s long-term goal of racing in major endurance events, with the Nürburgring 24 Hours sitting high on his personal bucket list.
Verstappen among strong four-man driver line-up confirmed for Nürburgring 24 Hours
For the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing will field a strong driver line-up. Verstappen will share the car with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.
The quartet combines Formula 1 success with extensive GT and endurance racing experience, creating a formidable team for one of motorsport’s toughest races. Most notably, Juncadella and Gounon will feature in the 2026 GTWC Europe Endurance Cup under the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing banner, alongside Chris Lulham. Lulham and Juncadella will also partner for the Sprint Cup.
Verstappen eager for Nürburgring challenge
Verstappen has long expressed his excitement about competing at the Nordschleife. Addressing his upcoming Nürburgring 24 Hours debut, he 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.”
Juncadella aiming for “shot at winning” 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing
Juncadella believes the team has a strong chance to challenge for victory.
“I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to join Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. I love the 24h Nürburgring; I have been racing there for many years, and I am hoping to finally get a shot at winning this race.
“Our package is extremely strong. It’s a very competitive car with a very strong line-up. I know Max quite well from his simulator racing team. Also preparing for the 24h Nürburgring in the simulator is very valuable, and we have already done a lot of preparation work.
“I am very thankful to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, as well as to Genesis Magma Racing, whom I represent in the Hypercar programme, for giving me the approval to pursue this GT3 project.”
Gounon highlights “competitive lineup” on return to historic race
Gounon highlighted the benefit of continuing his work with the team.
“It’s great to be back at the 24-hour race after a year away. Finishing on the podium in 2022, my ambition is clearly to go for an even stronger result this time.
“Since joining the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in the GT World Challenge, it’s good to work with them as well at the Nordschleife. That continuity helps us build momentum and work efficiently together.
“The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has proven to be a strong package at the Nürburgring, and with Luggi, Dani and Max we have a very competitive line-up. We all share the same mindset and approach. I already had two amazing test days with Max in Estoril, and I’m sure that we will prepare best for the Nürburgring campaign.”
Auer “proud” to continue with Mercedes-AMG in 2026
Auer also expressed enthusiasm about the project.
“Being able to compete for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife since 2024 naturally makes me proud. I am really looking forward to this year. What a line-up, what an event on this unique track.
“This year, we are in an excellent position with Dani, Jules and Max. I am a racing driver, my goal is clear. The key now is to prepare ourselves optimally and get the most out of our overall package.”
A major step for Verstappen Racing
The Nürburgring programme marks another milestone in Verstappen Racing’s expanding GT3 ambitions. With manufacturer backing, a strong operational partner and a talented driver line-up, the team now prepares to tackle one of endurance racing’s most iconic challenges.
With preparations beginning in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie and the 24-hour race ahead, Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing aims to make a strong impression on the legendary Nordschleife.
The 24h Nürburgring at the Nordschleife will start on May 16, Saturday, at 15.00 CET, and will make the second round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).
