Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will compete in the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
The announcement follows Verstappen’s participation in two Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) races with Emil Frey Racing and Lionspeed GP, where he secured the DMSB Permit Nordschleife needed to compete in GT3 machinery at the legendary circuit in 2025.
Verstappen will drive a Red Bull-liveried Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by his Team Verstappen Racing outfit, sharing the cockpit with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella.
‘The Nürburgring is a special place. There’s no other track like it,’ Verstappen said. ‘The 24 Hours of 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.’
Verstappen’s confirmation on the 24 Hours of Nürburgring grid comes amid his criticism of this year’s new Formula 1 powertrain regulations, which introduce a 50:50 power split between the turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine and the electric motor.
The Dutch driver told media at 2026 pre-season testing at Bahrain that he views the new regulations as ‘anti-racing’ and that he’s open to exploring racing outside of Formula 1. Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing F1 contract expires at the end of the 2028 season.
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring takes place between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix on the weekend of 14-17 May. Live footage of the race will be streamed via the Red Bull TV and Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channels.
