Max Verstappen will add another remarkable chapter to his motorsport career this week as he makes his debut in one of endurance racing’s toughest and most prestigious events. Entering the Nurburgring 24 Hours will mark his first experience in a 24-hour race, but despite being his debut, Verstappen is already setting the bar at the highest possible level.
“Success is winning. That’s why we’re here,” Verstappen said ahead of the event. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but that’s the goal for everyone.”
The Dutchman will race for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, which is entering a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in partnership with Winward Racing. Verstappen will share the car with experienced GT racers Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, all of whom bring extensive experience in GT competition and endurance racing.
While the Nurburgring 24 Hours is new territory for Verstappen, his experience at the Nordschleife is far from limited. Last year, he obtained his licence to race on the iconic circuit and success followed soon after, as he claimed victory in a Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie race aboard a Ferrari 296 GT3.
An encouraging test
That once again underlined how quickly Verstappen adapts to new disciplines. The switch from Formula 1 machinery to GT3 cars requires a completely different driving style, different reference points and, above all, a different approach to racing – particularly in traffic. Yet the Red Bull driver appears to have adapted seamlessly.
The early signs ahead of this year’s 24-hour race have also been encouraging. During the qualifying weekend in April, Verstappen Racing immediately showed strong pace. Its Mercedes-AMG GT3 became the first car to break the nine-minute barrier in qualifying, with Auer putting the car fifth on the timesheets.
#3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO: Max Verstappen, Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon
Photo by: ADAC Motorsport
In the subsequent four-hour race, a top result also looked within reach. Verstappen handled the opening stint and led the field for around 90 minutes before a splitter issue dropped the team down the order.
Even so, that performance provides confidence heading into the main event, which begins with qualifying sessions on Wednesday and Thursday before the 24-hour race gets underway on Saturday.
New experiences at the Ring
While many debutants tend to focus on learning and gaining experience, Verstappen is particularly looking forward to one of endurance racing’s most demanding elements: the night stint.
“That will probably be the best feeling,” he said. “Then, you’re completely on your own, pushing in the dark. The car is normally at its quickest during the night as well, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
#3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO: Max Verstappen, Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon
Photo by: Jan Brucke/VLN
Team-mate Juncadella, who has twice finished on the overall podium in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, knows better than most what awaits Verstappen. According to the Spaniard, the Nordschleife never loses its intimidating nature.
“This is never just another circuit,” Juncadella said. “Somehow, this track always remains intimidating, no matter what happens. Especially because conditions here can change so quickly. Even on a dry, sunny day, this circuit feels different – particularly when you’re driving on the limit.”
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