Max Verstappen confirmed for 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours with Mercedes-AMG

After months of speculation and intense behind-the-scenes negotiations, Max Verstappen has officially been confirmed to compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours with the factory-backed Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG Performance Team. The four-time Formula 1 world champion will pilot the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 from May 14–17, marking a significant moment for both Verstappen and endurance racing's most iconic challenge.

The calendar breakthrough

The path to Verstappen's entry hinged on resolving a critical scheduling obstacle: a mandatory Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) preparatory race was required, yet every NLS event clashed with F1 rounds. Mercedes formally petitioned the NLS to postpone the season opener by one week, moving NLS1 from its original March 15 date—which conflicted with the Chinese Grand Prix—to March 21, creating a narrow window between the China and Japan F1 fixtures. This strategic calendar adjustment proved essential to Verstappen's participation.

Building a championship-caliber lineup

Verstappen has personally assembled a formidable driver quartet for the 24-hour marathon. Alongside him will be Lucas Auer, a DTM runner-up and strong Mercedes-AMG performer whose rivalry with Verstappen dates back to their 2014 Formula 3 days. Fellow Mercedes-AMG factory drivers Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella—both WEC Hypercar competitors—complete the elite roster. All three bring extensive Nordschleife experience, ensuring a competitive and well-prepared assault on the Green Hell.

The team will gain valuable mileage during the rescheduled NLS2 on March 21, providing crucial preparation before the 24-hour event.

Mercedes' double assault

Beyond Verstappen's entry, Mercedes will field a second Performance Team at the Nordschleife. The #80 Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be driven by Maro Engel, Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz—a squad that includes Engel, who piloted Mercedes' last Nürburgring 24H victory in 2016. This dual effort represents Mercedes' ambitious bid to end a decade-long winless drought at the legendary endurance classic.

Verstappen's Nürburgring 24H debut embodies the pinnacle of motorsport ambition—a world champion testing himself against endurance racing's ultimate challenge with manufacturer backing and championship-tier teammates.