Max Verstappen Takes on the 24-Hour Nurburgring Challenge

Max Verstappen is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in his racing career as he prepares to compete in the 24H Nurburgring, marking his first 24-hour race. Known for its challenging conditions, the Nurburgring Nordschleife promises to test Verstappen's skills as he shares the track with a talented team. With a strong lineup and high hopes for success, Verstappen is eager to embrace the thrill of night racing and the unique challenges this legendary circuit presents. Read on to learn more about this prestigious event and Verstappen's ambitions.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 15, 2026, 15:20 IST

Max Verstappen's New Racing Adventure

Max Verstappen is set to face a significant new challenge in his remarkable racing career. The four-time Formula 1 World Champion will participate in his first-ever 24-hour race at the renowned 24H Nurburgring on May 16 and 17, as confirmed in an official announcement.

The Thrill of the Nurburgring

Verstappen has expressed his excitement about racing on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, referring to it as 'old-school, proper racing.' He acknowledges the risks involved, stating, 'I know it's a dangerous track, but I'm happy to take that risk!'

Race Overview

The 24H Nurburgring, held at the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany, is often dubbed 'The Green Hell.' It ranks among the top three endurance races in sportscar racing. Known for its unpredictable weather and the challenge of navigating through traffic, the race lasts for 24 hours. Teams, typically consisting of 3-4 drivers, must manage their time effectively. Competitors race a diverse range of vehicles, from high-performance supercars like Porsche 911s and Audi R8s to smaller models such as Hyundai i30s. This year, 161 teams and over 450 drivers will participate, making it a grand celebration of motorsport.

Verstappen's Role in the Race

This race marks Verstappen's debut in a 24-hour format, presenting a unique challenge as it is significantly longer than a typical F1 race. He will be competing in the 'SP9' class, which features highly modified supercars. Verstappen will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3, sharing the vehicle with teammates Dani Juncadella from Spain, Lucas Auer from Austria, and Jules Gounon from France.

Verstappen's Thoughts on the Nurburgring 24 Hours

Verstappen shared his enthusiasm, stating, 'The Nurburgring is a special place. There's no other track like it. The 24h Nurburgring has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I'm thrilled we can make it happen now. With a strong team lineup and excellent support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, we are focused on proper preparations to maximize our performance during the race.'

As he prepares for one of the toughest challenges in motorsport, Verstappen is clear about his team's goals: 'Success means winning. That's why we're here. I know it won't be easy, but that's the target for everyone.'

Night Racing Experience

'Driving at night is likely to be the best feeling. You're alone on the track, pushing hard. The car typically performs best at night, so I'm really looking forward to it,' Verstappen added.

Race Schedule

The 54th edition of the ADAC RAVENOL 24H Nurburgring will commence at 18:30 IST on Saturday, May 16, and conclude 24 hours later on Sunday, May 17.