Max Verstappen Takes on Nurburgring 24 Hours Qualifying 1

Max Verstappen has swapped his Red Bull F1 car for a GT3 machine at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, with the first qualifying session now live. The Dutch driver is competing as part of a special entry, adding star power to the legendary endurance race.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's participation bridges the gap between Formula 1 and GT racing, drawing massive attention to the Nurburgring event. It also showcases his versatility as a driver, stepping outside the F1 bubble to take on one of motorsport's toughest challenges.

The details:

• The qualifying session is the first of several sessions determining the starting grid for the 24-hour race.
• Verstappen is driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by a top-tier team, with support from his own Verstappen.com racing outfit.
• The session is being streamed live, with fans eager to see how the reigning F1 world champion adapts to a heavier, less downforce-dependent car.
• Track conditions: The Nordschleife is known for its unpredictable weather and long lap, making qualifying a strategic exercise.
• Team effort: Verstappen shares driving duties with experienced GT drivers, emphasizing teamwork over individual pace.

What's next:

Following qualifying 1, the grid will be set after additional sessions and a top-30 shootout. Verstappen aims for a strong starting position, but the main focus remains surviving the full 24 hours. His presence alone has already made this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours one of the most talked-about editions in recent memory.