Max Verstappen set for revenge Nürburgring 24 Hours bid

Max Verstappen's hopes of launching a second attack on the Nürburgring 24 Hours appear to have been given a shot in the arm. The four-time F1 champion's maiden outing ended in disappointment on Sunday, despite a victory appearing for so long to be on the cards for him and teammates Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. A driveshaft failure on their Mercedes AMG GT3 led to lengthy repairs, and a 38th-placed finish. Nevertheless, Verstappen generated considerable hype at the iconic German circuit. Last year, 280,000 fans were in attendance. This year, that figure jumped to a staggering 352,000.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential return could further boost the already surging popularity of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. His presence not only draws massive crowds but also highlights the growing crossover between Formula 1 and GT endurance racing. A successful bid would add another major endurance win to his resume and cement his versatility as a driver.

The details:

• The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours will be held on the weekend of May 29-30, according to the organizers.
• No Formula 1 grand prix is currently slated for those dates on the provisional calendar, meaning Verstappen's schedule would be clear.
• The 352,000 attendance figure this year represented a 26% increase from 2024, partly credited to Verstappen's involvement.
• Verstappen's team, Team Landgraf, fielded a strong lineup but mechanical issues cost them a podium.
• The four-time champion has previously expressed interest in endurance racing and has competed in the Virtual 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

What's next:

While the opportunity is there, the final decision rests with Verstappen. He will weigh the demands of his F1 campaign against the desire for redemption on the Nordschleife. If he commits, he would likely join a top GT3 team, possibly Mercedes again or another manufacturer. The 2026 event could become the ultimate test of his adaptability and endurance racing skills.