Max Verstappen on his participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring: "I don't need to be just a Formula 1 driver."

This is the main news of the week leading up to the Chinese Grand Prix. F1, second round of the 2026 season: Mercedes Benz-AMG has confirmed the presence of Max Verstappen in one of his GT3 cars at the upcoming 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The four-time world champion will be at the starting line of the Green Hell in a car sporting his own team's colors and will be partnered with a trio of specialists: Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella. Seeing a top-flight motorsport driver in his prime line up for an endurance race alongside his already packed schedule is a rare but welcome event.

« It's one of the best races in the world. explained Max Verstappen at a press conference in Shanghai (China)It's also one of the best circuits. Honestly, with a GT car, it's the perfect speed for me to drive there. I think if you go any faster, it can get a bit dangerous in some places. I've been watching this race for a long time. I also know a lot of friends who have competed in it, and they say it's one of the best experiences ever. And I also enjoy racing other cars, so this is kind of the first time I've been able to really do it seriously. So I'm very excited. I'm also looking forward to seeing how we'll perform. There's a very strong field, so I'm really looking forward to it. »

Verstappen is all the more delighted because he has already reiterated how little enjoyment he gets from the new cars, comparing them to " Formula E under steroids ". " It's not really about speed, because otherwise the enjoyment would always be very high here (in F1), since that's the highest speed. the Dutchman explains. It's more about how you work with people. The environment is also a bit different in the paddock. It's probably a bit more old-school (at the Nürburgring), less political, which I probably appreciate more. I can also be a bit more myself. That's what I like, and then of course there are those races—all the big endurance events—that I want to do. It's also something my father did when I was a kid. And I think I don't need to be just a Formula 1 driver. I can do other things too, especially since I've been here for a while and I've already achieved everything I wanted to achieve. That's why I want to explore other avenues. I'd rather do it now than wait until I'm 40. »

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Before tackling the Nordschleife for 24 hours, Verstappen will return to the legendary northern loop for the second round of the NLS, the date of which has been brought forward to accommodate his participation. Originally scheduled for March 28, during the Japanese Grand Prix, it will now take place on March 21. Tensions in the Middle East could lead the driver to consider this option. Red Bull to compete in another round of the German championship. A race is indeed scheduled during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but this could be canceled or postponed. The ongoing conflict in the region has already impacted the calendar of another World Championship with the postponement of the 1812 km Qatar Grand Prix, which was to be the opening round of the WEC March 28th, before its postponement to an undetermined date. If something happens with the schedule, I'll look into what's possible. " replied Verstappen.

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