Max Verstappen to Make Endurance Racing Debut at Nurburgring
Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has officially announced his participation in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race later this year. This marks his first-ever entry into a 24-hour racing event, a move that comes immediately after he expressed strong dissatisfaction with F1's new regulatory framework during the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Verstappen's Racing Programme and Team Details
Verstappen will compete for his own Verstappen Racing outfit, collaborating with Mercedes customer team Winward Racing. The team will field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car, with Verstappen joining a four-driver lineup that includes Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. The race is scheduled for 14-17 May at the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, positioned between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix on the F1 calendar.
Preparation for the endurance event will involve Verstappen competing in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) race on 21 March, though his F1 commitments will prevent him from participating in the qualifying round for the 24-hour race on 18-19 April due to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, that event faces potential cancellation amid ongoing Middle East conflicts, which could alter Verstappen's availability.
Verstappen's Passion for the Nurburgring and Past Success
In a press release, Verstappen highlighted his long-standing desire to race at the Nurburgring, stating, "The Nurburgring is a special place. There's no other track like it. The 24h Nurburgring 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." He brings prior experience to the circuit, having won a GT3 race there last year alongside Chris Lulham, which he described as valuable preparation for this year's campaign.
Verstappen added, "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 program 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."
Background: Verstappen's Criticism of F1's New Regulations
Verstappen's endurance racing announcement follows his outspoken complaints about F1's controversial new regulations, which debuted at the Australian Grand Prix. These rules mandate drivers to manage battery power and use a boost button for overtakes, changes that Verstappen and other drivers have criticised for making racing feel artificial.
Despite an impressive performance in Melbourne—where he qualified 20th but surged to a sixth-place finish—Verstappen was scathing in his assessment. He remarked, "If you enjoy that, then okay, but that's what I do at home when I play Mario Kart. For me, I didn't enjoy the way we raced. It is not really proper." He previously likened the energy management aspects to "Formula E on steroids," and did not rule out potentially leaving F1 if the rules are not amended.
When questioned about his future in the sport, Verstappen explained, "I love racing but it can only take so much, right? They're willing to listen, FIA and F1, I just hope, of course, that there is some action. Because I'm not the only one saying it, a lot of people are speaking the same, drivers, fans, we just want the best for the sport, we're critical for a reason. We want it to be Formula One, Formula One on steroids. Today of course, that was not the case."
He concluded by praising his team's efforts while expressing personal disappointment, saying, "I'm very negative about the rules but I do feel really proud of the team on the engine side, they've done an amazing job, very happy to be working with them. I just wish I enjoyed a little bit more driving-wise."
