Verstappen Racing confirms Nurburgring programme with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport

Published on 09 March 2026 by Niels Hendrix

Verstappen Racing announces its commitment to compete in NLS2 and the 2026 24h Nürburgring, fielding a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with team Winward Racing. The ambitious programme will be supported by Red Bull and marks another significant step in Verstappen Racing’s commitment to GT3 racing and expanding its racing activities. The entry underlines Verstappen Racing’s long-term vision to compete at top-level endurance events.

The Nürburgring entry announcement is made in signature Red Bull style: Max Manow performed a 131-metre B.A.S.E. jump into a cooling tower, helping unveil the striking new Red Bull livery of the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing.

Preparations for the 24h Nürburgring at the iconic Nordschleife will begin ahead of the main event, with the team contesting in Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie races prior to the 24-hour race. As part of the build-up, Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing will enter NLS1 (14 March), NLS2 (21 March) and the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (18 & 19 April). The car will carry the starting number 3.

Max Verstappen is scheduled to make an appearance at NLS2, using the event to prepare for the 24h Nürburgring, whilst in the midst of his busy Formula 1 schedule. His participation reflects his love for racing and his continued push to test the limits of driving.

For the 2026 24h Nürburgring, Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing will field a strong driver line-up consisting of Max Verstappen, Dani Juncadella (Spain), Jules Gounon (Andorra) and Lucas Auer (Austria), and is looking forward to beginning its Nürburgring campaign to take on one of endurance racing’s greatest challenges in 2026. Max Verstappen: “The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now. Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won. That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our programme this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race. We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximise everything in the races.”

Dani Juncadella: “I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to join Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. I love the 24h Nürburgring. I have been racing there for many years, and I am hoping to finally get a shot at winning this race. Our package is extremely strong. It’s a very competitive car with a very strong line-up. I know Max quite well from his simulator racing team. Also preparing for the 24h Nürburgring in the simulator is very valuable, and we have already done a lot of preparation work. I am very thankful to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, as well as to Genesis Magma Racing, whom I represent in the Hypercar programme, for giving me the approval to pursue this GT3 project.”

Jules Gounon: “It’s great to be back at the 24-hour race after a year away. Finishing on the podium in 2022, my ambition is clearly to go for an even stronger result this time. Since joining the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in the GT World Challenge, it’s good to work with them as well at the Nordschleife. That continuity helps us build momentum and work efficiently together. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has proven to be a strong package at the Nürburgring, and with Luggi, Dani and Max we have a very competitive line-up. We all share the same mindset and approach. I already had two amazing test days with Max in Estoril, and I’m sure that we will prepare best for the Nürburgring campaign.”

Lucas Auer: “Being able to compete for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife since 2024 naturally makes me proud. I am really looking forward to this year. What a line-up, what an event on this unique track. This year, we are in an excellent position with Dani, Jules and Max. I am a racing driver, my goal is clear. The key now is to prepare ourselves optimally and get the most out of our overall package.”

The 24h Nürburgring at the Nordschleife will start on Saturday 16 May at 15.00 CET and will be broadcasted live on Viaplay, Red Bull TV and the Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channel.