GT Drivers Expect 'Mega Spectacle' at Nürburgring as Verstappen Draws Record Crowds

The Nürburgring 24-hour race is set for a record-breaking crowd of over 300,000 this weekend, driven largely by Max Verstappen's participation in the GT3 event. Drivers like BMW's Kelvin van der Linde and Mercedes' Maro Engel believe the influx of new fans offers the GT world a golden opportunity to prove its drama and depth on an international stage.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's star power is pulling in his devoted 'Orange Army', many attending a GT race for the first time. If the racing delivers, it could convert a wave of F1 followers into lifelong endurance fans, boosting the profile of the entire GT3 category and the Nordschleife as a venue.

The big picture:

• Record attendance: More than 300,000 spectators are expected, surpassing the 2025 record of 280,000.
• Massive entry list: 161 cars across 23 classes, with 41 GT3 machines from top manufacturers. Defending champion BMW (ROWE Racing) aims for its 22nd victory.
• Driver optimism: Van der Linde calls it "a great opportunity for the GT3 world to showcase the best racing", while Engel describes the atmosphere as "fantastic" after visiting fan camps at Brünnchen.
• Global spotlight: The race is part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, and both drivers emphasize the chance to win over new audiences who normally follow only F1.

What's next:

The 24-hour classic is a high-risk, high-reward showcase. A clean, dramatic race with close battles could solidify the Nürburgring as a must-watch event beyond endurance purists. As Engel puts it: "We have a tremendous opportunity here to show how amazing GT racing really is."