F1 champion Max Verstappen will race a Mercedes‑AMG GT3 Evo at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, teaming with Winward Racing. Read more now!
Four‑time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is swapping the Red Bull‑powered single‑seater for a high‑performance GT3 machine and will take part in the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The Dutch driver will line up for Winward Racing in a Mercedes‑AMG GT3 Evo, marking his most significant foray into endurance racing this season.
Why Verstappen is heading to the Nürburgring
After a season that saw him voice frustration with the hybrid layout of the opening F1 round, Verstappen welcomed the chance to test his mettle on the “Green Hell” – the nickname for Germany’s Nürburgring circuit. The opportunity came with full backing from Red Bull, allowing the 28‑year‑old to broaden his skill set while keeping his primary F1 commitments intact.
The Mercedes‑AMG GT3 Evo explained
The car is based on the first‑generation AMG GT road model but has been stripped down and rebuilt for competition. Under the hood sits a naturally‑aspirated 6.3‑litre V8, delivering a maximum of 550 hp and 650 Nm of torque, thanks to a Balance‑of‑Performance (BoP) package that keeps the GT3 field level. A six‑speed sequential gearbox from AMG provides blister‑fast shifts, while aerodynamic upgrades and advanced electronics set the Evo apart from its 2015 predecessor.
Verstappen’s past endurance experience
Verstappen is no stranger to the Nürburgring. In 2025 he debuted in the NLS9 series with Emil Frey Racing, piloting a Ferrari 296 GT3. He claimed victory in the four‑hour endurance sprint, racing under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann”. That win gave him a taste of the circuit’s relentless demands, making the upcoming NLS2 and the full 24‑hour marathon a natural next step.
Race calendar and what’s next
Verstappen will contest the Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie (NLS2) event on 21 March 2026, followed by the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in mid‑May. Both races will run alongside his busy F1 timetable, showcasing his versatility and providing fans with an extra dose of high‑octane action.
Stay tuned as Verstappen takes on the “Blue Hell” in a striking red‑bull‑inspired livery, sporting the iconic “red cow” graphics and the number 3 – a nod to his RB22 F1 car for the 2026 season.
