Max Verstappen is set to add another iconic event to his racing career. The Red Bull driver confirmed that he will compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours with his own Verstappen Racing team in cooperation with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.

The Dutchman will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by Verstappen Racing. The Red Bull-backed car will carry starting number 3 and will be shared with experienced GT drivers Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.

The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours will take place on 16–17 May on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, widely considered one of the most demanding circuits in the world. Verstappen’s programme will also include preparation races in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). His first appearance this season is planned for NLS2 on 21 March, followed by the 24-hour race weekend in May.

The Nürburgring project reflects Verstappen’s long-term interest in endurance racing and his ambition to compete in some of the world’s most famous events outside Formula 1. The Dutch driver already gained experience on the Nordschleife last year. In 2025 he participated in two NLS races as part of his preparation programme and even scored a victory in one of them while driving a Ferrari GT3. Those outings helped Verstappen obtain his DMSB Permit Nordschleife, which is required to compete in major endurance races at the circuit.

“The Nürburgring is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now. Last year I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, which we won. That preparation was very valuable and we learned a lot that we can use this year,” Verstappen said.

Verstappen also highlighted the strength of the driver line-up and the support behind the project.

“We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s about preparing well so we can maximise everything in the races.”

The livery of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the programme was unveiled in spectacular fashion through a B.A.S.E. jump stunt. German athlete Max Manow performed a 131-metre jump inside the cooling tower in Meppen, revealing the Red Bull-coloured design of the Verstappen Racing car.

Fans will be able to follow the Nürburgring 24 Hours live in May through Red Bull TV and the Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channel.

Despite his new endurance racing project, Verstappen will continue to compete in the 2026 Formula 1 season alongside his Nordschleife commitments.