Verstappen Joins Red Bull‑Branded Mercedes‑AMG GT3 for Nürburgring 24‑Hour Race

Context The Nürburgring 24 Hours is a premier endurance event that tests speed, reliability and driver stamina on a track often called “The Green Hell”. This year the race features 23 car classes, with the top class populated by manufacturers such as Mercedes‑AMG, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari and Lamborghini. The event starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday and will be streamed live via the Sky Sports app.

Key Facts - Verstappen, a four‑time Formula 1 world champion, will pilot a Mercedes‑AMG GT3 painted in Red Bull livery. The GT3 platform is a production‑based race car that can run roughly one hour on a full fuel tank before needing a pit stop for fuel and tyre changes. - The grid comprises 161 cars covering the 15.769‑mile Nordschleife circuit. Drivers will navigate 23 classes, meaning the fastest cars must constantly overtake slower traffic, especially on the 1.333‑mile Dottinger Hohe straight where speeds exceed 190 mph. - Verstappen has logged six Nordschleife outings in the past year to prepare. He previously won the virtual Nürburgring 24 Hours on the iRacing platform in 2024, beating fellow F1 driver Lando Norris. - The Dutch driver cites his father’s participation in endurance events as a personal motivator. He said he wants to explore other disciplines while still at his physical peak, rather than waiting until his 40s. - Beyond the Nürburgring, Verstappen has tested prototype cars—the class that competes for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans—and expressed interest in future Le Mans, Daytona and Spa endurance races.

What It Means Verstappen’s entry signals a growing trend of top‑level Formula 1 talent crossing into endurance racing while still active in F1. His presence raises the profile of the GT3 category and offers manufacturers a high‑visibility platform for brand alignment. For Red Bull, the partnership extends its motorsport footprint beyond single‑seater racing, potentially smoothing a future transition to prototype programs such as the World Endurance Championship.

The race will test Verstappen’s adaptability to longer stints, night driving and traffic management—skills that differ from the sprint‑focused Formula 1 format. Observers will watch how quickly he integrates with his co‑drivers and whether his simulation experience translates to real‑world endurance performance.

What to watch next: Verstappen’s lap times during the opening stint, his team’s pit strategy, and any early incidents that could reshape the top‑class battle on the Nürburgring’s demanding layout.