Mercedes deeply impressed with Max Verstappen in 'never seen before' declaration

Max Verstappen's first outing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours has earned unprecedented praise from Mercedes' head of customer racing, Stefan Wendl, who described the four-time F1 champion's adaptability as "never seen before." Starting fourth on the grid in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, Verstappen is drawing a wave of new attention to GT racing.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's crossover underscores his genuine passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1, while giving Mercedes' GT program a massive credibility boost. His presence at the Nordschleife is also expanding the audience for endurance racing, as F1 fans tune in to watch him compete in a completely different discipline.

The details:

• Verstappen has been preparing for the event since late 2025, with several test sessions at the Nürburgring and elsewhere.
• He qualified fourth in a field of GT3 entries, a strong result given limited track time in the Mercedes-AMG.
• Wendl recalled their first meeting during a test in Portugal last December: "I learned more about his approach and how he prepares. I knew immediately: 'okay, this is a case apart'."
• The Mercedes executive highlighted Verstappen's role in growing the event's popularity: "Thanks to Max, many fans who normally only follow F1 are now watching. They see a different side of motorsport, with exciting wheel-to-wheel fights."
• Verstappen's commitment to the project – from pre-testing to race weekend – has impressed the Mercedes squad, with Wendl noting the driver's meticulous preparation.

What's next:

The race is set to be a major test of Verstappen's versatility, with the 24-hour format demanding a different skillset than F1. A strong finish could open doors for more GT appearances, while further cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile drivers in the sport. For now, all eyes are on the Green Hell.