Max Verstappen to compete in endurance races

March 13, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

According to Red Bull Content Pool, Verstappen Racing confirmed on 9 March that it intends to enter the NLS2 race and the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours in collaboration with Mercedes AMG Motorsport. The programme represents a step toward competing regularly at the highest level of endurance racing.

The announcement was accompanied by a promotional launch event in Meppen, Germany. During the reveal, German B.A.S.E. jumper Max Manow dropped 131 metres inside a cooling tower as the team unveiled a new Red Bull branded Mercedes AMG race livery.

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

Road to the Nürburgring

Before the endurance race, Verstappen Racing plans to compete in several Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie events as well as the official 24 hour Nürburgring qualifiers. The team’s Mercedes AMG entry will run with car number 3.

Max Verstappen is expected to share driving duties with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer, all experienced GT and endurance racers linked with Mercedes AMG programmes.

Verstappen is scheduled to make his first appearance of the season in NLS2 on 21 March, using the race as preparation for the Nürburgring 24 Hours while continuing his Formula 1 commitments.

A race verstappen has long wanted

“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, that we won. That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our program this year with NLS2 and the 24 hour race. 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 putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximize everything in the races.”

Why the Nürburgring challenge matters

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is widely regarded as one of the most demanding endurance races in motorsport because of the length and complexity of the Nordschleife circuit.

For Verstappen, the programme reflects a growing interest in endurance racing alongside his Formula 1 career, with the German event offering a different type of challenge from traditional grand prix competition.

Sources: Red Bull Content Pool