NĂĽrburgring 24 Hours: Qualifying explained as Max Verstappen competes in famous race
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is preparing for one of the toughest challenges in motorsport as he heads to the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours this weekend. The famous endurance race around the brutal Nordschleife — often called the “Green Hell” — has already seen historic ticket sales thanks to Verstappen’s presence. �
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But unlike Formula 1, qualifying for the NĂĽrburgring 24 Hours is far more complicated. Drivers do not simply go out for one session and fight for pole position. Instead, the event uses a multi-stage qualifying system spread across several days. ďż˝
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The process begins with regular qualifying sessions on Thursday, where teams try to secure a place in the faster “Top Qualifying” shootouts. Some teams earned automatic entry into the final Top Qualifying 3 session through strong performances in earlier Nürburgring races, but Verstappen’s team missed out after technical issues and a previous disqualification during preparation events. �
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That means Verstappen must fight through the full qualifying route before earning a chance at pole position. It adds even more pressure to an already demanding event featuring over 160 cars across multiple racing classes on the massive 25-kilometre circuit. ďż˝
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The Dutch star will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo alongside Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer under Team Verstappen Racing. Fans are especially eager to see how quickly Verstappen adapts to racing through the night and changing weather conditions at one of the world’s most dangerous and unpredictable tracks. �
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Interest around the event has exploded since Verstappen confirmed his entry, with organizers revealing that weekend tickets sold out for the first time in the race’s long history. Many now believe his appearance could become one of the biggest moments Nürburgring endurance racing has seen in decades. �