Four-time F1 champion, Max Verstappen will drive in the Nürburgring 24 Hours on weekend of 14-17 May 2026.
Verstappen made his endurance racing debut with victory at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in September 2025 in Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS), which saw him become the first reigning F1 champion to race in another category at the same time since Keke Rosberg in 1983.
The 28-year old Dutchman has now committed to racing in NLS2 and the 2026 Nürburgring 24-hour event, in which he will drive a Mercedes AMG GT3 in the pro-class under the Verstappen Racing team.
As part of his preparations, Verstappen will race at the second round of the NLS season on 21 March, which falls between F1’s Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix,
Speaking about his decision to step out of F1 further with the Nürburgring 24-hour race, Verstappen spoke of his love for the German circuit.
“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.”
Verstappen will partner ex Force India test driver, Daniel Juncadella plus Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer, which the four-time champion thinks sets up “a strong line-up” with support from both Red Bull and Mercedes.
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