Verstappen targets victory in Nürburgring 24h debut

Max Verstappen has set himself the ambitious target of winning the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring on his very first attempt. The four-time Formula 1 world champion will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for his own Verstappen Racing team this weekend, alongside co-drivers Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. The entry has already caused ticket demand to surge, with availability limited due to his presence.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's entry elevates the profile of one of endurance racing's toughest events. His ambition to win on debut, with a professional lineup, signals a serious commitment beyond a one-off appearance. For F1 fans, it offers a rare glimpse into the Dutchman's versatility and hunger for new challenges.

The details:

• Lineup: Verstappen shares the Red Bull-liveried Mercedes with GT3 specialists Juncadella, Gounon, and Auer – a combination built for victory.
• Preparation: The 27-year-old has competed in multiple NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie) races over the past 18 months to prepare for the 24-hour event. He also logged thousands of laps on the simulator, replicating the 25.3km Nordschleife with virtual 24-hour races.
• Mindset: "Success would mean winning. That's very simple, that's why we are here," Verstappen told Verstappen.com. He acknowledged it won't be easy but emphasized sharing the car with teammates as part of the experience.
• Simulator edge: Verstappen noted that sim racing helped him be on pace immediately in real life, with only curbstone differences and g-forces requiring adjustment.

What's next:

• Qualifying begins Thursday, with the race starting Saturday at 15:00 local time. Verstappen Racing aims to lead the 24-hour countdown to the checkered flag.
• Verstappen hinted at making the event an annual tradition: "It's something I want to do every single year, with one car or multiple cars."
• If the strong lineup and extensive preparation pay off, Verstappen could become the first F1 driver to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours on debut – a statement win for his growing GT racing ambition.