Four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen will compete in the 2026 ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring. The event falls during an off-weekend for Formula One (May 14-17), which enabled Verstappen into participating. The speculation behind Verstappen potentially running the event has been buzzing through the F1 paddock for almost a year. Last May, Verstappen tested a GT3 spec car under the name of “Franz Hermann.” Partly done for comedic affect, but also done in part to not spiral unwanted media attention and speculation about the driver’s future in Formula One, as it was clouded with a rough start to the 2025 season.
“The Nürburgring is a special place. There is no other race track quite like it. The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m very excited that we can now make it happen,” stated Verstappen. Speaking about his preparation for the 2026 race: “Last year, I got my DMSB license for the Nordschleife and was able to take part in the NLS9, which we won. This preparation is very valuable as we learned a lot that we can incorporate into our program this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.”
Verstappen will take advantage of the first F1 off-weekend by competing in an NLS2 event on Mar 21 at the Nürburgring. This event will be a vital preparation and test for him to utilize his time, and perfect his race craft with a traditional sports car setting. The remainder of the Verstappen Racing No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 driver line-up will consist of Verstappen, Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer, all international veteran sports car racers.
