Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will compete in the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours with Mercedes this year.
After months of speculation, the Dutchman has been confirmed to make his debut at the German Endurance Classic on May 14-17 with the factory-backed Winward team, part of Verstappen Racing.
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Verstappen will drive the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside factory drivers Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon, as well as new Genesis Hypercar signing Daniel Juncadella.
The quartet will carry out preparations for this month’s NLS2 race, which has been moved up a week to March 21 at Mercedes’ request to allow Verstappen to take part.
The event was originally scheduled to take place on March 28, clashing with the annual Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit. Verstappen has made it clear internally that he wants to complete at least one race in the early stages of the NLS to ensure he is ready for the 24 Hours.
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His only previous appearance at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (the penultimate round last November) was in an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3, rather than the Mercedes-AMG GT3 he will drive this year.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
“With our performance line-up, we are well-positioned for the traditional 24-hour Nürburgring,” said Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes customer racing.
“Together with RAVENOL and Verstappen Racing, we have created a balanced driver pairing whose different strengths complement each other perfectly.
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“We are very proud that Max Verstappen and his team are also part of the AMG line-up. Together with our operations team Winward Racing and tire partner Michelin, we have once again analyzed the Mercedes-AMG GT3 in detail to further exploit the performance potential.
“With the start of an intensive testing program in southern Europe at the end of February, the foundations are being laid for a successful outing at the Nürburgring.”
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