Max Verstappen to Race Mercedes-AMG GT3 at 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours

Max Verstappen will compete in the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race next May, driving a Red Bull-branded Mercedes-AMG GT3 for a specially formed "Verstappen Racing" entry. The F1 champion will team with three Mercedes factory drivers for the event, which fits into a gap in the F1 calendar just before the Canadian Grand Prix. His participation was facilitated by race organizers moving a preparatory event to accommodate his schedule.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's entry is a major crossover event that blends the pinnacle of single-seater racing with one of the world's most demanding GT contests. It highlights the star power of the reigning F1 champion, whose influence is significant enough to alter the schedule of a major supporting series. The visual of Red Bull branding on a Mercedes works car also creates a unique and ironic spectacle in motorsport.

The details:

• The Team & Car: Verstappen will spearhead the "Verstappen Racing" entry, managed by the successful Winward team. He will drive the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 adorned with Red Bull livery.
• Star-Studded Lineup: He will be joined by a trio of top-tier Mercedes factory drivers: Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella, forming one of the most formidable crews on the grid.
• Strategic Preparation: The team will first contest the NLS2 race on March 21 as a warm-up. Notably, the date for this preparatory race was shifted from March 28 specifically to avoid a clash with the F1 Japanese Grand Prix and accommodate Verstappen.
• Verstappen's Readiness: The Dutchman is not a novice on the Nordschleife. He earned his competition permit for the circuit last year and won the NLS9 race, providing valuable experience for the 24-hour challenge.
• The Schedule: The 24-hour race is scheduled for May 14-17. Verstappen will then immediately travel to compete in the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix the following weekend.

What's next:

All focus now turns to preparation for the NLS2 event in March, which will serve as the critical shakedown for the team and car ahead of the main event in May. Success in the 24-hour race would add a prestigious endurance victory to Verstappen's illustrious resume and could further fuel discussions about his participation in other classic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future. For fans, it presents a rare opportunity to see the F1 champion in a dramatically different racing environment.