Max Verstappen to Tackle 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour Endurance Race
Max Verstappen is set to race in the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring Nordschleife. The three-time Formula 1 champion will join a team backed by Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. He has already begun preparing for the gruelling endurance event by competing in last year's NLS9 race, which his team won.
Verstappen earned his DMSB Nordschleife permit in 2022, allowing him to compete on the demanding track. That same year, he took part in NLS9, gaining valuable experience on the circuit. His team secured victory in the race, giving him a taste of success at the Nürburgring.
For the 2026 24-hour race, Verstappen will team up with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. The quartet will rely on support from both Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, combining expertise from two major motorsport brands. Verstappen has spoken openly about his excitement for the challenge ahead.
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring has been running since 1970, with the 2026 edition marking its 54th year. Over the decades, hundreds of teams and thousands of drivers have competed across different classes. Recent races have featured large fields, often exceeding 170 entries. Teams like Manthey Racing, Falken Motorsports, and Rowe Racing—winner of the 2025 race with BMW—have dominated in recent years.
Verstappen plans to use the lessons from NLS9 to improve his performance in both the 2026 endurance race and the upcoming NLS2 event.
The 2026 race will see Verstappen take on one of motorsport's toughest challenges. His team includes experienced co-drivers and backing from two of racing's biggest names. The event continues a long tradition of endurance racing at the Nürburgring, with Verstappen aiming to add his name to its list of winners.
