Verstappen to Race Red Bull-Liveried Mercedes at 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours

Max Verstappen is reportedly preparing for a potential stint at the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring, where he could pilot a Mercedes-AMG GT3 fielded by Winward Racing. In a surprising marketing twist, this specific entry would feature the car draped in Red Bull livery, creating a unique visual blend of Formula 1 rivals on the Nordschleife.

Why it matters:

For Verstappen, this represents a significant step into the world of endurance racing, leveraging his status to assemble a top-tier squad. The collaboration is particularly notable given the historical friction between Red Bull and Mercedes, making a Red Bull-branded Mercedes a rare and intriguing sight in motorsport.

The details:

• The Entry: Winward Racing plans to field one Mercedes initially, but Verstappen's participation would trigger a second car entry specifically for this project.
• The Teammates: The lineup is set to be star-studded, featuring factory Mercedes ace Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella, and Lucas Auer, who finished as runner-up in the 2025 DTM championship.
• The Condition: Verstappen has maintained that he will only race if certain conditions are met, likely centering on the team's competitiveness and preparation for the grueling 24-hour event.
• The Livery: This would mark the first time a Mercedes carries the iconic blue and yellow of its Austrian F1 rival in this category.

What's next:

With the race still over a year away, preparations are in the early stages. If Verstappen gives the final green light, this entry will undoubtedly be one of the most watched stories of the 2026 endurance season.