Max Verstappen’s Nürburgring 24 Debut: Daniel Juncadella to Take the Start

The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours is nearly here, and Max Verstappen will make his endurance racing debut. The four-time F1 champion played a key role in putting his Verstappen Racing entry on the second row of the grid, and now we know who will take the wheel first.

Daniel Juncadella confirmed via Instagram that he will start the race in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3. “Make sure you tune in at 15:00. I’ll be taking the start in our #3 machine,” the Spaniard wrote.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen’s first 24-hour race is a major headline, drawing attention from both F1 and GT fans. The lineup includes seasoned endurance drivers like Juncadella, Lucas Auer, and Jules Gounon, giving the team a strong shot at a top result.
• The #3 car qualified fourth overall, with Verstappen securing progress from Top Qualifying 2 to TQ3 before Juncadella set the final grid position. That performance signals the team is competitive right out of the gate.

The details:

• Qualifying rundown: Red Bull Team ABT’s Luca Engstler took pole in the #84 Lamborghini, with Marco Mapelli locking out the front row for the same squad. The #3 Mercedes lines up alongside the #16 Audi R8 on row two.
• Verstappen’s role: After Lucas Auer safely advanced from TQ1, Verstappen drove the #3 car in TQ2, ensuring a place in the pole shootout. His pace impressed paddock observers.
• Race start: Juncadella will handle the opening stint, with the green flag scheduled for 15:00 local (14:00 UK). The team plans a strategic rotation among its four drivers.

What’s next:

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is known for its grueling 25.378km track and unpredictable weather. Verstappen Racing will rely on its drivers’ experience and the Mercedes-AMG GT3’s reliability to stay in contention. All eyes will be on the Dutchman as he tackles his first full endurance race – a stark contrast to his sprint-focused F1 career.

“It’s a different kind of challenge,” Verstappen said earlier this week. “I’m ready to learn and contribute over the full distance.”