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Max Verstappen Addresses Nurburgring 24 Hours Dangers Before Debut
TL;DR
Max Verstappen is set to compete in his first official endurance race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This challenge comes during a break in the F1 season between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix.
Key points
- Max Verstappen is racing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
- This is Verstappen's first official endurance race.
- The race takes place during a break in the F1 season.
Max VerstappenNürburgring 24 HoursRed Bull Racing
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen is taking on a massive challenge over the weekend — during a 24-hour race at Nürburgring.
It will be Verstappen’s first official endurance race. He has taken part in multiple virtual races, though the Dutch driver is taking the step up and getting into a real car.
The four-time F1 champion is in the middle of a three-week gap between the Miami Grand Prix and the Canadian Grand Prix.
After a long delay between the Chinese Grand Prix and the race in Florida, F1 is once again on break, giving Verstappen the chance to race outside the series.
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (3) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Verstappen has been the face of complaints about the 2026 cars, which have a drastic power unit overhaul to run on a 50/50 split of electric and conventional energy.
The Dutchman has floated the possibility of retiring earlier than expected due to his lack of enjoyment with the new cars.
However, through his new racing opportunity and all the work he did to earn his special license, Verstappen has an outlet to keep his love for racing alive.
“It just shows that my love, it’s not only around Formula 1, I love racing, I love competing,” he told ESPN.
“Just going back to a bit more old-school, proper racing, that’s what I’m trying to seek. And that’s what I get from driving at the Nordschleife.”
Verstappen speaks on the race’s danger
The track does have a good amount of danger due to the high-speed corners, blind sections where a driver can’t see ahead, and the lack of run-off areas, which leave little room for any kind of mistake.
Naturally, with Verstappen being a full-time F1 driver, there are questions about why the team allowed him to do it, though he does not seem phased at all.
“I’m aware that I can have a bad crash there, but I’m not afraid — I like it, actually,” Verstappen told ESPN. “I really enjoy driving there, it gives me a smile on my face.
Q&A
What is the Nürburgring 24 Hours race?
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is a prestigious endurance race held annually at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, featuring teams racing for 24 continuous hours.
Why is Max Verstappen participating in the Nürburgring 24 Hours?
Max Verstappen is participating in the Nürburgring 24 Hours to take on a new challenge during a break in the Formula 1 season, marking his debut in official endurance racing.
How does Verstappen's experience in virtual races compare to real endurance racing?
While Verstappen has experience in multiple virtual races, the Nürburgring 24 Hours will be his first experience racing in a real car for an extended period, presenting new challenges.