Verstappen feels ready for Nürburgring 24 Hours debut, and wants more Endurance Racing

Max Verstappen has declared himself fully prepared for his maiden start in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, while making clear that his appetite for endurance racing extends well beyond a single outing on the Nordschleife.

BoP: The Factor Beyond the Driver's Control

"We have prepared as well as possible, but at the end of the day, of course, it also depends on the BoP [Balance of Performance], where we're going to be at," Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365.

It is a candid and pragmatic acknowledgement of how endurance racing differs from Formula 1. Balance of Performance — universally referred to as BoP — is the regulatory mechanism used in GT-based endurance competition to equalise the performance of different manufacturers. Officials have the authority to adjust parameters including engine output, ballast weight, and ride height, all in the pursuit of a more level playing field across the entry list. For a driver of Verstappen's calibre, it means that even the most meticulous preparation can be partially offset by regulatory decisions outside his team's hands.

For a closer look at how Verstappen will navigate the Nürburgring 24 Hours qualifying format — from Q1 all the way through to TQ3 — our detailed breakdown has everything you need to know.

An Endurance Ambition That Goes Far Beyond Germany

Verstappen's Nürburgring appearance is not a one-off curiosity — it is the early expression of a genuine, long-term interest in endurance competition. The Red Bull driver has been candid about his desire to race more widely, with the Formula 1 calendar the primary obstacle standing between him and additional starts.

"And then the rest, I want to do more, of course, but it also depends a bit on the [F1] calendar," the 71-time grand prix winner said. "For example, if there was a free weekend for the 24 Hours of Spa, I would have done that already this year as well. So it's just whatever allows me to race; I would love to do so."

The ambition is clear, the willingness is unambiguous — it is simply a matter of scheduling. And the scope of that endurance vision may stretch further still. Verstappen's growing profile in the world of long-distance racing comes against the backdrop of confirmed discussions between Ford and the Dutchman regarding a potential future entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Those talks have already been reported, with Ford's racing division open to the possibility of Verstappen joining their Hypercar programme as the manufacturer prepares for its WEC LMDh debut.

For now, though, the focus is squarely on the Nordschleife. Verstappen is prepared, the team is strong, and the only remaining question is where the BoP will leave them when the flag drops.