Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion, will participate in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring race with a car from the Mercedes brand. This competition will take place from May 14 to 17 and will mark the Dutch driver’s debut in this legendary endurance event, one of the most recognized in the automotive world.
After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that Verstappen will race with the Mercedes-supported team, Winward Racing, under the name Verstappen Racing. The driver will compete with a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
The Team’s Colleagues
Verstappen will join Mercedes drivers Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella, a team that brings significant experience to the Nürburgring Nordschleife track. Both Gounon and Auer are also Verstappen’s teammates in the GT World Challenge Europe.
Preparations and Expectations
To get accustomed to the track before the competition, the team will participate in the upcoming NLS2 race scheduled for March 21. This date has been moved up at Mercedes’ request to facilitate Verstappen’s participation, who had previously expressed his desire to compete in at least one prior race for adequate preparation.
The driver has commented that the 24 Hours of Nürburgring has always been a milestone for him: “Nürburgring is a special place. There is no circuit like it. I’ve always wanted to participate in this race, so I’m excited that it’s now possible.” His only previous experience at the Schleife was with a Ferrari 296 GT3 last year.
Mercedes’ Versatile Team
In addition to Verstappen’s team, Mercedes will also have a second entry in the championship with the car Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL, featuring drivers like Maro Engel and Maxime Martin, who will add even more quality to this year’s competition. Engel, who participated in Mercedes’ last victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2016, is part of a team with high expectations of achieving another success.
