Auer and Verstappen reunite as teammates after F3: ‘Beautiful story’

Lucas Auer and Max Verstappen are set to share a car at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, reuniting as teammates for the first time since their Formula 3 days in 2014. Auer, now a Mercedes-AMG factory driver, says the reunion feels like a “beautiful story” and that Verstappen’s involvement adds to a golden era for GT3 racing.

Why it matters:

This partnership highlights the different paths drivers take after single-seaters, with Auer thriving in GT racing while Verstappen dominates F1. Their reunion brings star power to the N24 and underscores the growing crossover between F1 and endurance racing.

The details:

• Auer and Verstappen first raced each other in F3 in 2014, a field packed with talent.
• Auer moved to GT racing after a tough 2014 season, becoming a DTM star and Mercedes-AMG loyalist.
• Verstappen has been building Nürburgring experience since 2025, with strong outings in NLS and Qualifiers.
• The #130 Mercedes-AMG GT3 will start from P4, behind two Lamborghinis and an Audi.
• Teammates include Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, adding depth to the lineup.

What's next:

The 56th ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring will test the team’s communication and adaptability. Auer stresses that constant sharing of track information between drivers is crucial, especially with changing weather and evolving conditions. With Verstappen’s raw speed and the team’s combined experience, a strong result is within reach.