Max Verstappen Prepares for Iconic Nordschleife Endurance Race

Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, is making his debut at the Nurburgring 24 hour race from May 14 to May 17, 2026. The event marks the first time the driver has attempted a 24-hour race, taking place at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife.

Verstappen will compete under the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing banner, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. He is joined in the cockpit by teammates Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella.

Preparation and Recent Performance

To prepare for the endurance race, Verstappen completed six outings at the Nordschleife within the 12 months preceding the event. This preparation follows a successful 2025 campaign in which he secured a victory in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) while driving a Ferrari 296 GT3.

More recent outings in April 2026 further established his pace at the circuit. During a qualifying weekend that month, Verstappen’s car became the first to break the nine-minute barrier in qualifying. During a subsequent four-hour race, he led the opening stint before a splitter issue caused the team to drop in the standings.

Driver Objectives

Verstappen has maintained a focused approach toward the endurance debut, stating that Success is winning. That’s why we’re here. I know it’s not going to be easy, but that’s the target for everyone,

The driver specifically highlighted the unique conditions of the Nordschleife, particularly the challenges and advantages of racing after dark.

It’s probably going to be the best feeling. You’re by yourself, pushing in the night. The car is normally fastest in the night, so I’m looking forward to it.

Max Verstappen

Event Schedule

The event proceedings began with qualifying on May 14, 2026. The schedule for May 15, 2026, includes multiple qualifying sessions, including top qualifying.

On May 16, 2026, the schedule consists of a warm-up and grid procedures before the race start. The endurance race is scheduled to begin at 2pm.