Max Verstappen to race in Nurburgring 24h Qualifiers

Max Verstappen will take advantage of a break in the Formula 1 calendar to compete in the Nurburgring 24h Qualifiers on April 18-19, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the Winward team. The four-time F1 world champion will partner with Lucas Auer in two four-hour races on the full Nordschleife circuit, fulfilling his desire to race on the iconic track in the dark ahead of a potential full 24-hour race attempt.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's participation highlights his relentless drive to compete outside of F1 and gain experience in endurance racing's most demanding arena. It also provides a high-profile boost for the Nurburgring 24h event and offers a rare glimpse of a current F1 champion tackling the 'Green Hell' in a GT3 car under race conditions, bridging the worlds of top-tier single-seaters and premier GT endurance racing.

The details:

• The opportunity arose due to the cancellation of F1's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, freeing Verstappen's schedule.
• He will compete in the 24h Qualifiers, which consist of two four-hour races on the full 25.378km Nordschleife layout, as preparation for the main 24-hour race.
• Verstappen specifically wanted the experience of racing at night on the circuit; with sunset at 8:30 PM, the Saturday race offers an hour of darkness.
• He recently completed a film and test day at the track just after the Japanese GP, sharing social media clips and even causing a stir by stopping at the famous Dottinger Hohe gas station.
• This event ensures he will have raced with each of his three designated teammates for the 24-hour race at least once, as Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella are unavailable due to a World Endurance Championship clash in Imola.

The big picture:

Verstappen's foray into the Nordschleife is part of a broader pattern of F1 drivers seeking challenges in endurance racing. His critical comments about the 2026 F1 regulations and his open future add context to his pursuit of racing satisfaction elsewhere. Success in this arena could further fuel his interest in competing in the full Nurburgring 24 Hours, following in the tire tracks of other F1 icons who have conquered the event.