Max Verstappen will compete in his first endurance race at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring in May 2024, according to multiple reports. He will compete for his Verstappen Racing outfit in cooperation with Mercedes customer team Winward Racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car, with his team switching to Mercedes and becoming a factory-supported entrant. This partnership marks a significant shift for Verstappen Racing, which previously operated with different manufacturers, and the factory support from Mercedes is expected to provide enhanced technical resources and development opportunities for the team's GT3 program.
Verstappen and his team were disqualified from the second race of the 2026 Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) for using seven sets of tires instead of the permitted six, multiple reports indicate. The Rowe Racing duo of Don Harper and Jordan Pepper inherited the victory after Verstappen's disqualification. The exact performance advantage gained from using an extra set of tires in that NLS race remains unclear, and it is unknown whether Verstappen will face any further penalties or consequences from the FIA or NLS for the tire allocation breach. This incident has raised questions about team management and compliance with regulations in endurance racing, potentially impacting Verstappen's preparations for the upcoming 24-hour event.
The Nurburgring is a special place. There's no other track like it. The 24h Nurburgring 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.
Verstappen's team lineup for the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring includes Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer, according to multiple reports. He has already tested the Mercedes-AMG GT3 several times, including a shakedown at the Nurburgring on Friday. How the switch to Mercedes and factory support will impact Verstappen Racing's performance in the upcoming 24-hour race is not yet determined. The team's preparations involve extensive testing sessions to optimize car setup and driver coordination, with a focus on adapting to the unique challenges of the Nordschleife circuit, known for its demanding conditions and variable weather.
According to major media, the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring takes place from May 14-17, 2024. Max Verstappen won't be available for the qualifying round of the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring on April 18-19 due to F1 commitments, major media reports. Whether the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be canceled or replaced, which could affect Verstappen's availability for the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring qualifying, has not been confirmed. This scheduling conflict highlights the logistical challenges of balancing a full-time F1 calendar with endurance racing ambitions, potentially requiring adjustments in team strategy and driver rotations during the event.
Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won. That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our program this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race. We've got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it's about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximise everything in the races.
Major media reports that Max Verstappen has previously won a GT3 race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit last year in a car shared with Chris Lulham. This prior success demonstrates his familiarity with the circuit and ability to perform in GT3 machinery, providing a foundation for his debut in the 24-hour race. The experience gained from that victory, including insights into tire management and race pace, could be valuable in the longer endurance format, though the transition to a factory-supported Mercedes setup may introduce new variables.
Max Verstappen voiced complaints about the new era of F1 regulations at the Australian Grand Prix, according to multiple reports. The specific nature of his complaints and how they affected racing at the Australian Grand Prix have not been detailed. His criticisms may reflect broader concerns within the F1 community about regulatory changes impacting competition and car performance, though it remains unclear if these issues will influence his focus on endurance racing or team dynamics at Verstappen Racing.
Team Redline plans to broadcast a watchalong of the NLS race on Twitch from 10:30am UK time, multiple reports indicate. This broadcast initiative aims to engage fans and provide live coverage of Verstappen's participation in the NLS series, offering insights into his performance and team operations ahead of the 24-hour race. The watchalong could serve as a promotional tool for Verstappen Racing and its partners, enhancing visibility in the endurance racing community.