Max Verstappen is trading his Formula 1 cockpit for the grueling challenge of endurance racing, as he officially confirms his debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours this May. The Red Bull Racing star will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by Winward Racing, marking a rare but highly anticipated crossover between F1’s top-tier talent and one of the world’s most demanding endurance events.

“The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place,” said Verstappen. “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.”

His passion for the track is not new. In 2025, Verstappen made a spectacular GT3 debut in the Nürburgring Endurance Series, winning the race after qualifying third and building a commanding lead before his teammate Chris Lulham extended the advantage in the second stint. Last year, he also earned his DMSB Permit Nordschleife and competed in NLS9, which he won — experience he says will be “very valuable” for this year’s 24-hour campaign.

Verstappen will prepare for the main event with an appearance in NLS2 on March 21, driving under the number 3 — the same as his F1 car. Despite his packed F1 schedule, his involvement underscores “his love for racing and his continued push to test the limits of driving,” according to a team statement.

Backing his venture is Red Bull, which will provide a signature livery for the Mercedes-AMG GT3 — a symbolic nod to Verstappen’s roots. The announcement was made in true Red Bull fashion: aerial athlete Max Manow performed a 131-metre BASE jump into a cooling tower at the Nürburgring, revealing the car’s livery in a dramatic stunt that signaled the launch of Verstappen Racing’s long-term vision to compete in top-level endurance events.

“We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani [Juncadella], Jules [Gounon] and Lucas [Auer] and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport,” Verstappen added. “Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximise everything in the races.”

The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, scheduled for late May, will see Verstappen face extreme weather, mixed-class traffic, and over 150 turns on one of motorsport’s most fearsome circuits. His entry adds a global spotlight to the event and raises expectations of a performance that matches his dominant F1 legacy.