Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team have firmly ruled out any immediate plans for rising Formula 1 sensation Kimi Antonelli to compete in the famous Nürburgring 24 Hours, following a dramatic weekend that saw Max Verstappen narrowly miss out on victory at the legendary endurance race.
The 2026 edition of the Nürburgring 24 Hours attracted unprecedented attention thanks to Verstappen’s highly anticipated debut on the fearsome Nordschleife circuit. Driving the No.3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo alongside team-mates Dani Juncadella, Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon, the reigning Formula 1 world champion quickly became the star attraction of the event.
The Dutchman’s participation generated enormous excitement among motorsport fans, with organisers reportedly welcoming a record crowd of more than 350,000 spectators. The event even sold out for the first time in its 56-year history, with many in the paddock referring to the phenomenon as “the Max Verstappen effect.”
For much of the race, Verstappen’s team looked capable of securing a sensational victory. After a tense and impressive double stint from the Red Bull star during Sunday’s closing stages, Juncadella climbed into the car with just over three hours remaining and held a commanding 30-second advantage at the front of the field.
However, disaster struck shortly afterwards. The Spaniard returned to the pits after only two laps when the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo developed a driveshaft issue. Mechanics rushed the car into the garage and worked frantically to repair the problem, but the lengthy delay effectively ended the team’s hopes of victory.
Although the car eventually returned to the track in the final minutes of the race, allowing Juncadella to take the chequered flag, the team could only manage a disappointing 37th-place finish after appearing destined to fight for the win.
Despite the heartbreak for Verstappen’s entry, Mercedes still celebrated overall success at the Nürburgring thanks to the No.80 Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol machine. The victorious line-up featured Maro Engel, Luca Stolz, Fabian Schiller and Maxime Martin, who delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the gruelling 24-hour contest.
Following the race, attention quickly turned to whether Mercedes would permit their current Formula 1 drivers to attempt the Nürburgring challenge in the future. While George Russell previously joked that he may only consider such a demanding event after winning several world championships, Antonelli had openly expressed interest in obtaining the DMSB Nordschleife Permit required to compete.
However, Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord dismissed the possibility for now. Speaking during the race weekend, Lord revealed that he had already discussed the matter with Antonelli and suggested the young Italian’s comments were not entirely serious.
Lord jokingly remarked that Antonelli might be allowed to try the Nürburgring “after four world championships,” another clear reference to Verstappen’s experience and status within the sport. He added that Verstappen’s years in top-level racing give him a broader range of experience than the 19-year-old championship leader currently possesses.
