Verstappen to Race at 2026 Nurburgring 24h as Alpine Stake Rumors Swirl

Max Verstappen will compete in the 2026 24 Hours of Nurburgring with his own team, while Mercedes has responded to reports that team principal Toto Wolff is leading a bid for a stake in the Alpine F1 team. The news comes after a dramatic Australian Grand Prix where Verstappen, despite a recovery drive, offered a sarcastic take on his 'Driver of the Day' honor.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's commitment to one of the world's most grueling endurance races underscores his passion for racing beyond F1 and could influence his long-term career trajectory. Simultaneously, the rumors surrounding Toto Wolff and Alpine point to potential significant shifts in the F1 team ownership landscape, with Mercedes potentially deepening its ties with the Renault-owned squad.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Endurance Debut: Verstappen and his Verstappen.com Racing team announced they will enter the 2026 24 Hours of Nurburgring. They will partner with Winward Racing to field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 on the legendary Nordschleife circuit.
• Preparation Schedule: The team will use the 2025 Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) as preparation, competing in select rounds including the 24h Qualifiers. Verstappen is confirmed to drive in NLS2, which no longer clashes with the Japanese Grand Prix.
• Mercedes on Alpine Stake Rumors: In response to British media reports of Wolff spearheading a Mercedes bid for a minority Alpine stake, a Mercedes spokesperson offered a measured statement: "Mercedes is a key strategic partner of Alpine and we are being kept apprised of the latest developments."
• Verstappen's 'Driver of the Day' Reaction: After his recovery from a P20 start to finish sixth in Melbourne, fans voted him 'Driver of the Day.' When informed post-race, Verstappen responded with a cynical fist pump and laughter, highlighting his own high standards despite the impressive comeback.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Verstappen's progress in the NLS series next year as he builds towards his 2026 Nurburgring goal. Meanwhile, the F1 paddock will closely monitor any formal developments regarding Alpine's ownership structure and Mercedes' potential involvement, a story that adds another layer of intrigue to the off-track business of the sport.