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With its participation, Verstappen Racing wants to focus emphatically on long-distance racing at the highest level. The iconic Nordschleife of the Nürburgring is considered one of the greatest challenges in motorsport.

Spectacular Red Bull-style unveiling

The announcement of the program happened in spectacular fashion. In a cooling tower, Max Manow made a 131-meter B.A.S.E. jump, simultaneously unveiling the new Red Bull livery of the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. The team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 runs with starting number 3.

Preparation through NLS races

Leading up to the 24-hour race, the team is participating in several events of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. These races serve as preparation for the main event on the Nordschleife.

The program is as follows:

• NLS1 – March 14
• NLS2 – March 21
• 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers – April 18 and 19

Max Verstappen himself

Max Verstappen himself appears at the start of NLS2 and just with his own name. In May 2025, Verstappen appeared at the Nürburgring Nordschleife for a test with a Ferrari 296 GT3. He registered there under the name “Franz Hermann” so it was not immediately obvious that it was him. He chose the name simply because it “had to sound as German as possible. Still, it eventually came out that the mysterious driver was none other than Max Verstappen. The participation is part of his preparation for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, despite his busy Formula One program.

Strong lineup for 24 Hours of Nürburgring

For the 2026 edition, Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing has assembled an experienced driver line-up. In addition to Max Verstappen, the team includes Dani Juncadella (Spain), Jules Gounon (Andorra) and Lucas Auer (Austria). With this lineup, the team is aiming for a strong race.

Verstappen: “Been on my bucket list for a long time”

Max Verstappen is looking forward to his participation in the classic race at the Nürburgring. “The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There is no other circuit like it. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I am extremely happy that we can now make it happen. Last year I got my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participated in NLS9, which we won. That preparation is very valuable, because we learned a lot that we can take into our program this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.”

According to Verstappen, the foundation for the project is strong. “We have a strong lineup with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s all about the right preparations before the events so we can maximize in the races.”

Juncadella: “Package is very strong”

Dani Juncadella sees a lot of potential in the project. He says, “I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to be part of Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. I love the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. I have been racing there for years and I hope to finally get a chance to win this race. Our package is very strong: a competitive car and a strong lineup.”

Moreover, he already knows Verstappen through simracing. “I know Max well from his simracing team. The preparation in the simulator is very valuable and we have already done a lot of preparatory work. I am grateful to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and also Genesis Magma Racing – which I represent in the Hypercar program – for allowing me to step into this GT3 project.”

Gounon: “Continuity helps us”

Jules Gounon returns to the Nordschleife after a year’s absence. “It’s great to be back at the 24-hour race. After my podium finish in 2022, I want to go for an even better result this time. After my switch to the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in the GT World Challenge, it’s nice to work with them on the Nordschleife as well.”

According to Gounon, the collaboration helps build momentum. “The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has proven to be a strong car at the Nürburgring. With Lucas, Dani and Max, we have a competitive lineup. We share the same mentality and approach. I have already had two test days with Max in Estoril and I am confident that we will prepare well.”

Auer: “Goal is clear”

Lucas Auer is also looking forward to the project. “It is an honor to race for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. I am enormously looking forward to this year. What a lineup, what an event on this unique circuit. With Dani, Jules and Max we are in an excellent position. I am a driver, my goal is clear. The most important thing now is to prepare optimally to get the most out of our whole package.”

Start of the race

The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours will kick off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. The race will be broadcast live on Viaplay, Red Bull TV and Red Bull Motorsports’ YouTube channel.