Max Verstappen will race at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours this weekend, a dream he has chased since his sim‑racing days. The four‑time world champion seeks an “old‑school” racing experience on the 15.769‑mile Nordschleife, hoping the thrill will keep him sharp for Formula 1.

To compete, Verstappen earned a DMSB Permit Nordschleife after test days, classroom exams, and a lower‑class race. Red Bull’s support followed a 2025 season where the driver’s interest in F1 waned; the team’s advisor Helmut Marko noted the outings improved his mood and added 0.2 seconds to his lap times.

The Nürburgring’s 170‑corner layout, once part of a 1920s public‑works scheme, remains a brutal proving ground with 300 m of elevation change. Despite safety upgrades, the circuit still claims a fatality list that includes 66‑year‑old Juha Miettinen in 2024.

Verstappen’s entries in the top SP9 GT3 class place him among 150 drivers from touring and GT4 cars. Winning the class would cement his status as a versatile racer, proving he can excel beyond the Formula 1 grid.