Max Verstappen ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours debut as sold-out crowd awaits historic weekend

Max Verstappen will make his long-awaited debut in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this weekend, taking on one of the world's toughest endurance races in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. The event has already made history before a single lap has been completed, with organisers announcing a complete sell-out for the first time ever.

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After months of preparation and several test outings on the legendary Nordschleife, Max Verstappen is set to make his first appearance in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this weekend.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion will compete for Verstappen Racing. The team will field the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in the top SP9 category.

Verstappen will share the car with an exceptionally strong line-up consisting of Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella, all highly experienced GT and endurance racers with extensive knowledge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Speaking ahead of the event, Verstappen said he feels well prepared for the enormous challenge.

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"We have prepared as well as possible, but at the end of the day, of course, it also depends on the BoP (Balance of Performance), where we're going to be at," Verstappen said, as quoted by RacingNews365.

"I think from the driver's side, we're good, the team is strong. We just need to make sure that the car stays in one piece, especially for the 24-hour race," the Dutch driver added.

Balance of Performance, commonly known as BoP, is used in GT racing to equalise the performance of different manufacturers by adjusting factors such as engine power, vehicle weight and ride height. Verstappen has repeatedly spoken about his growing passion for endurance racing and admitted he would already be competing in more events if his Formula 1 commitments allowed it.

"And then the rest, I want to do more, of course, but it also depends a bit on the F1 calendar. For example, if there was a free weekend for the 24 Hours of Spa, I would have done that already this year as well. So it's just whatever allows me to race; I would love to do so," he explained.

161 cars on the grid

This year's edition has attracted a remarkable 161 cars, making it the largest entry list since 2014 and underlining the continuing popularity of the iconic race. Interest among fans has been equally extraordinary. Organisers have announced that all tickets have been sold, marking the first complete sell-out in the event's history.

Action begins with qualifying sessions on Thursday and Friday, while the race itself gets underway on Saturday at 15:00 local time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The race will be streamed live for free, and you can also follow all the action on our website.

James Whitaker

James Whitaker is a British sports journalist with a strong focus on Formula 1 and MotoGP. Known for his clear and engaging style, he delivers the latest news and easy-to-follow analysis from the fast-paced world of motorsport. His work aims to make the complexities of racing accessible to both hardcore fans and casual readers alike. Whether covering the drama of a Grand Prix weekend, breaking down technical developments or highlighting standout performances, James brings a passion for racing and a journalist’s eye for detail to every story he tells.