Max set for 24h Nurburgring debut: 'Success would mean winning'

Published on 12 May 2026 by Niels Hendrix

Max Verstappen is set to take on one of endurance racing’s most demanding challenges this week as he makes his debut at the 24h Nürburgring at the legendary Nordschleife. The four-day event begins with qualifying on 14-15 May, before the 24-hour race will take place on 16-17 May.

The 24h Nürburgring is marking a totally new challenge for Max. It is one of endurance racing’s toughest tests and it is Max’s first crack at the 24-hour format and at this level. The four-time F1 world champion’s own team, Verstappen Racing, fields a Mercedes-AMG GT3 run by Team Winward Racing, with co-drivers Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.

“What the team mainly represents is also creating opportunities for other drivers”, says Max. “I started with an idea in mind of racing outside of Formula 1 myself, but at the same time – through the sim racing world – I wanted to create opportunities for a sim racer to go to the real world. That already worked with Chris (Lulham) so far.”

Max continues: “One of the biggest races of the year is of course the 24 hours of the Nürburgring, that’s why we are here. We are entering with a pro lineup and with myself in the lineup, that is really cool. It's also something I want to do every single year, with one car or multiple cars. The main objective and goal is to win races.”

“What inspired me the most is that it's one of the best tracks in the world, or the craziest track in the world, in a good way, that you can race at. It is one of these special races that you just want to compete in and win”, explains Max, who prepared himself intensively.

“For me it all started on the simulator. I have done thousands of laps, to learn the track, and competed in multiple 24-hour races at the virtual Nürburgring. So, when I went out here for the first time in real life, getting to know the track wasn't the issue. It was all about understanding the new curbstones or grip levels, and of course understanding the real car with the g-forces and compressions. For sure the sim racing helped a lot to be on pace immediately.”

The 25.3km long track is referred to as the Green Hell, as it poses many challenges. “It’s probably going to be the best feeling,” Max said when asked about racing in the dark. “You’re by yourself, pushing in the night. The car is normally fastest in the night, so I'm looking forward to it.”

Max is clear on the team’s ambitions: “Success would mean winning. That’s very simple, that’s why we are here. I know it’s not going to be easy, but that’s the target for everyone. But at the same time, I am also just looking forward to the whole experience, sharing the car with my teammates, working throughout that whole weekend.”

The 54th edition of the 24h Nürburgring starts at 15.00 CEST on Saturday 16 May and finishes 24 hours later on Sunday 17 May. You can watch it live on Viaplay.com or via Red Bull TV and the Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channel.

Schedule 24h Nürburgring, Nordschleife
Thursday 14 May
13.15-15.15 Qualifying 1
20.00-23.30 Qualifying 2

Friday 15 May
10.15-10.45 Top Qualifying 1
11.05-11.35 Top Qualifying 2
12.00-13.05 Qualifying 3
13.35-14.35 Top Qualifying 3

Saturday 16 May
10.00-11.00 Warm-up
14.40-15.00 Formation lap
15.00 Race start

Sunday 17 May
15.00 Race finish