Max Verstappen Joins Nürburgring 24 Hours for Sim Racing Cameo

Max Verstappen is swapping real asphalt for pixels this weekend as he competes in the Nürburgring 24 Hours virtual edition. The reigning Formula 1 champion will drive for Team Redline in the iRacing-based endurance event, adding star power to the sim racing calendar.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's participation underscores the growing crossover between top-level real-world racing and sim racing. For fans, it's a rare chance to see the F1 champion battle on a completely different stage, while the event itself gains mainstream visibility.
• The 24-hour race, held on the legendary Nordschleife, demands extreme consistency and teamwork — skills Verstappen has mastered in real life. His presence raises the event's competitive profile.

The details:

• Verstappen will share the #1 Team Redline car with experienced sim racers and real-world GT drivers. The lineup remains unconfirmed but is expected to include multiple pro-level teammates.
• The race starts Saturday and will be streamed live on multiple platforms, including the official Nürburgring YouTube channel and iRacing broadcasts.
• This is not Verstappen's first sim endurance outing: he previously won the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour iRacing event with Team Redline.
• The Nürburgring 24h virtual edition features a mix of GT3, GT4, and touring cars, with over 60 cars on the grid.

What's next:

• Verstappen will return to F1 duties immediately after, with the Monaco Grand Prix on May 31. The sim race is a rare weekend off for a driver who typically shuns non-racing commitments.
• For sim racing, his appearance could drive new viewership and legitimacy as the virtual side of motorsport continues to grow.