Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion, is set to compete in the iconic Nurburgring 24 Hours race this year with the Mercedes team. Partnering with the factory-supported Winward team under the Verstappen Racing banner, he will drive the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside skilled drivers Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella. These drivers have vast experience at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with Gounon and Juncadella already being teammates at Winward in GT World Challenge Europe.
To prepare for the main event in May, the team will participate in the upcoming NLS2 race, rescheduled to March 21 at Mercedes’ request to accommodate Verstappen’s availability. Verstappen’s previous Nurburgring Nordschleife experience was with an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3. Therefore, racing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 this year brings a new challenge and excitement for him.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the race, Verstappen mentioned, “The Nurburgring is a special place…The 24h Nurburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time.” With strong support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, Verstappen aims to leverage his experience from previous races for a successful performance in the upcoming endurance race.
Mercedes will field two Performance Teams at the Nordschleife enduro, with the second car running under the Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL banner. The driver lineup includes Maro Engel, Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz. Engel, part of the previous winning crew at the Nurburgring 24 in 2016, adds valuable experience to the team.
With preparations underway, Verstappen, Mercedes, and Winward are gearing up for an exciting and competitive race at the legendary Nurburgring.
