Max Verstappen to race Mercedes at Nurburgring 24 Hours

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will make his debut at the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours this May, driving a factory-supported Mercedes-AMG GT3. The Red Bull Racing star will join a strong driver lineup for the Winward-run team, which has already scheduled a preparatory race later this month to ensure he is fully acclimated to the car and the daunting Nordschleife circuit.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's participation is a major coup for the event, bringing unprecedented mainstream F1 attention to one of motorsport's most grueling endurance classics. It highlights a growing trend of top-tier F1 drivers seeking racing challenges outside their primary discipline, testing their skills on the world's most demanding track. His involvement, under the banner of rival manufacturer Mercedes, also adds a fascinating subplot to his usual Red Bull allegiance.

The details:

• The Team & Car: Verstappen will race for the Winward team under the 'Verstappen Racing' banner in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, a significant switch from the Ferrari 296 GT3 he drove in a previous Nordschleife outing.
• Driver Lineup: He will be partnered with three highly experienced Mercedes factory drivers: Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella. Gounon and Juncadella are full-season teammates in GT World Challenge Europe.
• Mandatory Preparation: To prepare, the quartet will compete in the NLS2 race on March 21st. The race date was specifically moved forward a week at Mercedes' request to avoid a clash with the Japanese Grand Prix, accommodating Verstappen's F1 schedule.
• Mercedes' Overall Effort: Mercedes will field two top 'Performance Teams' at the event, both operated by Winward. The second car, the #80 Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL entry, features a crew including 2016 race winner Maro Engel.
• Verstappen's Excitement: The Dutchman called the Nurburgring "a special place" and stated the 24-hour race has long been on his bucket list, valuing the experience gained from his winning run in an NLS race last November.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the preparatory NLS2 race on March 21st, which will serve as the first real test for Verstappen and his new teammates in the Mercedes. Success there will build momentum for the main event on May 14-17, where Verstappen will aim to add a major endurance racing victory to his illustrious resume and help Mercedes secure its first Nurburgring 24H win since 2016.