Max Verstappen Set for Nürburgring Challenge as GT3 Debut Draws Attention
Max Verstappen stepped away from his usual Formula 1 duties to take on one of motorsport’s toughest challenges — the legendary Nürburgring endurance race. The four-time F1 world champion entered the event with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 as part of Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, sharing driving duties with Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.
Verstappen’s team secured a strong starting position after qualifying, placing fourth on the grid for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The No.3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 was beaten only by the leading Lamborghini and Audi entries, with the top qualifying order showing a highly competitive field.
Nürburgring 24 Hours Starting Grid (Top Positions):
No.84 Red Bull Team ABT — Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2
No.130 Red Bull Team ABT — Lamborghini Huracán GT3
No.16 Scherer Sport PHX — BMW M4 GT3 EVO
No.3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing — Mercedes-AMG GT3 (Verstappen/Juncadella/Gounon/Auer)
The event marked a major milestone for Verstappen, who has often spoken about his desire to compete in endurance racing. The Nürburgring Nordschleife, known as the “Green Hell,” presents a completely different challenge compared with Formula 1, featuring narrow sections, changing weather conditions and a much longer race distance.
Despite starting outside the front row, Verstappen’s entry immediately became one of the biggest stories of the weekend, attracting huge attention from F1 fans and endurance racing followers. The Dutch driver said the experience was a major personal goal, as he looked to test himself in one of the world’s most demanding motorsport events.
The Nürburgring appearance highlights Verstappen’s ambition beyond Formula 1 and shows his continued interest in exploring different forms of racing at the highest level.