Verstappen tipped to dominate Nürburgring 24h on debut

Max Verstappen is set to make his debut in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this weekend, partnering with Winward Racing in the No. 1 Mercedes-AMG GT3. The four-time Formula 1 champion qualified fourth and has been backed by 91% of fans in a recent GPblog poll to take victory at the iconic Nordschleife circuit.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's entry has drawn unprecedented attention to the endurance classic. His success would further cement his versatility across disciplines and showcase his ability to adapt quickly to different machinery, a rare trait among top F1 drivers. With the F1 season currently in a lull, his Nürburgring appearance keeps the motorsport world focused on his growing legacy.

The details:

• Verstappen shares the Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer. Their #4 qualifying position came behind Luca Engstler's pole-sitting Lamborghini.
• A GPblog poll found 91% of respondents confident Verstappen can win on debut; only 9% were skeptical.
• The Dutchman has previous Nordschleife experience, including permit runs, a disqualification, and rain-soaked outings, building anticipation for his first full 24-hour attempt.
• Readers praised his rapid adaptation: "He has only recently started driving sports cars and is already setting benchmark times," one comment noted.

What's next:

The 24-hour race begins later today. While Verstappen's raw pace is undeniable, endurance racing introduces reliability, traffic management, and team strategy challenges that differ from F1. If the Winward crew executes cleanly, a podium — or even victory — is within reach. The race will also serve as a valuable test of Verstappen's stamina and racecraft outside the single-seater world.