Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has confirmed plans to return to one of motorsport’s most demanding circuits, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, as he looks to reset his season following a challenging opening to the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
The Red Bull driver is set to compete in the ADAC 24h Nürburgring qualifiers, scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2026. The event forms part of the prestigious Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) and will feature two four-hour endurance races across the weekend. The race meeting itself runs from April 17 to April 19, offering teams and drivers a vital opportunity to prepare for one of the toughest endurance races in the world.
Verstappen will not be tackling the challenge alone. He is set to share driving duties with Austrian racer Lucas Auer, a factory driver for Mercedes-AMG. The pair will pilot a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO machine, running under the No. 3 banner. The entry will be operated with support from Winward Racing, ensuring a strong and competitive setup for the demanding circuit.
This announcement comes at a time when Verstappen has endured a frustrating start to his Formula 1 season. After three races, the Dutchman has managed to collect just 12 points, leaving him far behind the early championship leaders. His team, Red Bull Racing, has struggled to match the pace of rivals, particularly Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, who have emerged as early front-runners in 2026.
The Nürburgring qualifiers represent more than just a side project—they are a crucial preparation phase for the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring, which is set to take place from May 14 to May 17. Often described as one of the most grueling endurance races in motorsport, the event pushes drivers, cars, and teams to their absolute limits over a full day of racing on the unforgiving Nordschleife layout.
Verstappen’s participation in the main 24-hour race was officially confirmed earlier this year on March 9, marking an exciting new chapter in his already illustrious career. Known primarily for his dominance in Formula 1, this move signals his growing interest in endurance racing and GT3 competition.
For the main event in May, Verstappen and Auer will be joined by experienced GT racers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, completing a formidable driver lineup. With a blend of Formula 1 brilliance and endurance racing expertise, the team is expected to be highly competitive.
Balancing his commitments between Formula 1 and endurance racing will be no small task for Verstappen. However, the opportunity to compete at the Nürburgring—a circuit renowned for its complexity, length, and unpredictable conditions—offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to refocus amid a difficult F1 campaign.
As Verstappen looks to rediscover his rhythm, all eyes will be on his performance in Germany later this month. Whether this venture serves as a turning point in his season or simply a thrilling side challenge, it underlines his relentless drive to compete at the highest level across multiple disciplines of motorsport.
