Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is preparing to tackle one of endurance racing’s most formidable challenges this week as he makes his highly anticipated debut at the ADAC RAVENOL 24H Nürburgring.
The iconic four-day event begins with qualifying sessions on 14–15 May before the legendary 24-hour race takes the green flag on 16–17 May at the fearsome Nürburgring Nordschleife — a circuit widely regarded as one of the most demanding in global motorsport.
Already celebrated for his remarkable adaptability across different racing categories, Verstappen now adds endurance racing to an already extraordinary résumé. The Dutchman will compete for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 operated in partnership with Winward Racing. Sharing driving duties with Verstappen are experienced Mercedes-AMG Performance Drivers Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Dani Juncadella.
While this marks Verstappen’s first-ever 24-hour race, his preparation for the Nürburgring challenge has been extensive. In 2025, he secured his DMSB Permit Nordschleife qualification before claiming victory in round nine of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) aboard a Ferrari 296 GT3 — further underlining his growing credentials in GT and endurance machinery.
Momentum around Verstappen’s Nürburgring campaign has continued to build throughout the season. During April’s qualifying weekend, the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 became the first car to dip below the nine-minute barrier in qualifying trim. Auer later secured fifth position in the timed session, while Verstappen himself led the opening stages of the subsequent four-hour race before a splitter issue compromised the team’s result.
Ahead of the event, Verstappen also completed additional testing mileage at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with footage released through the Red Bull Content Pool. Earlier this season, the reigning Formula 1 champion further demonstrated his extraordinary versatility at Fuji Speedway, where he tested a GT500 machine in heavy rain conditions prior to the Japanese Grand Prix. On only his second flying lap, Verstappen eclipsed the benchmark set by experienced Super GT driver Atsushi Miyake.
Despite entering one of motorsport’s toughest endurance contests for the first time, Verstappen has made the team’s ambitions unmistakably clear.
“Success is winning. That’s why we’re here,” Verstappen said. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but that’s the target for everyone.”
The Dutchman is particularly eager to experience the unique atmosphere of night racing around the Nordschleife.
“It’s probably going to be the best feeling,” he explained. “You’re by yourself, pushing in the night. The car is normally fastest in the night, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Team-mate Juncadella, a two-time overall podium finisher at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, believes the circuit’s challenge remains unmatched in world motorsport.
“It will never be just another track,” he said. “Somehow, this track is always intimidating, no matter what, especially when the conditions change so much. Even on a sunny, dry day, this track is just a bit different. Especially when you’re pushing and going to the limit.”
The 54th edition of the ADAC RAVENOL 24H Nürburgring gets underway at 15:00 CEST on Saturday, 16 May, and concludes 24 hours later on Sunday, 17 May. Fans can follow the action live via Red Bull TV and through Verstappen’s onboard coverage on the Red Bull YouTube Motorsports channel.