Nürburgring expert backs Verstappen to outclass field in 24-hour epic

Max Verstappen has received strong backing from Nürburgring veteran Andreas Gülden to claim victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Gülden, who instructed Verstappen during his Nordschleife permit test last year, expects the F1 champion to 'bring it home in P1' as part of the Winward Racing Mercedes lineup.

Why it matters:

This race marks a rare endurance outing for a reigning F1 champion, offering a glimpse into Verstappen's adaptability beyond Grand Prix racing. A win at the iconic Nordschleife would further enhance his reputation as one of the most complete drivers in motorsport, while also showcasing the depth of his skill set outside Red Bull's F1 machinery.

The details:

• Gülden, a German sports car driver with extensive Nordschleife experience, is confident Verstappen will overcome the field in the grueling 24-hour contest.
• He noted that Verstappen benefits from top-tier Michelin tires and a strong team, while his own Toyota outfit is focused on tire development. 'He has very good equipment, and he deserves it,' Gülden added.
• Night racing is a key challenge, but Gülden dismissed concerns: 'He is super experienced... The tricky part is to stay focused when the party starts at night. But he’s professional enough.'
• Verstappen shares the #3 Mercedes with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. The quartet starts fourth after Juncadella’s qualifying lap, just under a second off pole.

Looking ahead:

The 24-hour race begins this weekend, with Verstappen aiming to convert his strong starting position into a historic win. Gülden urged fans to watch or attend, calling it 'the best race in the world.' If Verstappen can handle the unpredictable Nordschleife conditions and maintain focus through the night, he stands a real chance of adding an endurance crown to his F1 titles.