Max Verstappen announces 2026 Nurburgring 24-hour race entry

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will take on one of motorsport's ultimate challenges, confirming his entry for the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2026. The Red Bull star, who has long expressed a desire to compete in the iconic endurance event, will race with a strong driver lineup supported by both Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, blending his F1 prowess with a passion for GT racing on the world's most demanding circuit.

Why it matters:

The participation of a current, dominant F1 world champion in the grueling Nürburgring 24h is a monumental crossover event for global motorsport. It highlights Verstappen's dedication to racing beyond F1 and brings unprecedented mainstream attention to a race revered for its extreme difficulty and history. His commitment, despite the inherent risks on the perilous Nordschleife, underscores the event's unique prestige and Verstappen's drive to test himself in a completely different discipline.

The details:

• Verstappen confirmed the 2026 entry, stating the race has been "on my wish list for a long time" and calling the Nürburgring "a special place" with no equal.
• He will be teamed with fellow sim-racing talents and real-world racers Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer in a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
• Preparation is Key: Verstappen cited valuable experience gained last year, where he obtained his mandatory DMSB Nordschleife permit and won the NLS9 qualifying race with the same team. He emphasized applying those lessons to the 2026 program.
• Unusual Alliance: The effort receives backing from both his long-time F1 sponsor, Red Bull, and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the manufacturer of the GT3 car—a rare collaboration crossing traditional F1 rivalries.
• The focus now shifts to intensive preparation to "get the most out of ourselves in the races," according to Verstappen.

What's next:

Verstappen's announcement sets the stage for a multi-year buildup to one of the most anticipated driver appearances in recent endurance racing history.

• Expect to see him contest more Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) rounds as part of his preparation, honing his skills on the 20.8-kilometer circuit known as 'The Green Hell'.
• His participation will likely draw a global F1 audience to the 2026 event, boosting its profile significantly.
• The move continues a trend of active F1 drivers seeking challenges in endurance racing, following examples like Fernando Alonso's Le Mans victories, further blurring the lines between top-tier motorsport categories.