Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen has been granted permission by Red Bull Racing to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours later this year, despite the endurance event taking place during the middle of the Formula 1 season.
The decision was explained by Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who highlighted Verstappen’s deep passion for racing as a key factor behind the team’s approval.
The Dutch driver is set to take part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nordschleife during the weekend of May 16–17. Ahead of the race, Verstappen will also participate in a Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) warm-up event scheduled between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.
For the endurance classic, Verstappen will compete in a customer Mercedes-AMG GT3 car. Last season he also gained experience at the Nürburgring, securing a GT3 victory at the legendary circuit often referred to as the “Green Hell”.
“He doesn’t really need to convince us,” Mekies told media including RacingNews365.
“You only need to speak with Max for a few minutes and you immediately see his face light up and his eyes light up when he talks about racing cars, no matter what type of car it is.”
Mekies added that Verstappen’s participation in additional racing events does not drain his energy during the Formula 1 season, but instead appears to reinvigorate the reigning world champion.
“You might think it takes energy away from him, but in fact he comes back to the race weekends with even more energy.”
“He truly loves the sport. It’s also a great reminder for all of us that we are motorsport fans, and Max is someone who enjoys spending his free weekends racing.”
Verstappen’s Nürburgring 24 Hours appearance will take place between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, marking a rare example of a current F1 driver competing in one of endurance racing’s most demanding events during an active championship campaign.
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