Max Verstappen’s Chances of Winning Nurburgring 24 Hours Explained

TL;DR

Max Verstappen is competing in the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours, marking his transition from F1 to endurance racing. This new challenge will test his adaptability to different racing machinery.

Key points

Max Verstappen is participating in the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours.
This race is a significant shift from his F1 career.
Endurance racing presents unique challenges for drivers.

Max VerstappenADAC Nürburgring 24 HoursRed Bull Racing

Max Verstappen is taking part in the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours, an endurance race that will test the Red Bull driver in a new discipline.

Verstappen has long been a fan of endurance racing, taking part in several virtual races from his simulator, though he is now stepping into a car.

It will be a challenge for the F1 driver, who has conquered the pinnacle of single-seater racing, to adjust and race with a different kind of machinery.

Despite his success with F1, endurance racing brings its own set of challenges and quirks that could trip him up.

Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (3) looks on from the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Verstappen is well aware of the tricky nature of changing motorsport disciplines.

“The level is high, it’s super high,” he said. “Of course, maybe some people don’t know some of the drivers because they’re not so much into GT racing, but there are a lot of really good, even older — like very experienced — drivers.”

What can stop Max Verstappen?

A Balance of Performance kicks in during racing to ensure it remains competitive, which unlocks the addition of ballast, restrictor plates, fuel consumption limits, and aerodynamic restrictions.

There are cars that tend to hide their true pace until the end, essentially gaming the system and exploiting the rule.

Verstappen is well aware of the system, possibly instilling high confidence that can lead to

“At the end of the day, it will depend also a bit on your preparation and the final BoP,” Verstappen said. “From other cars, some are of course still hiding quite a bit.”

Additionally, he is driving a different car — a GT car that is quite different from the rocket-ship like desing of an F1 car.

In fact, his car will be made by an unfamiliar party: Mercedes.

“It’s just about opportunities that come along at the end of the day,” Verstappen said. “It’s always good to be close to the manufacturer as well, and I have a good relationship with them.

Q&A

What is the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours race?

The ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours is an endurance race held at the Nürburgring, testing drivers over a 24-hour period.

How is endurance racing different from Formula 1?

Endurance racing involves longer race durations, different vehicle handling, and requires drivers to adapt to various challenges compared to the shorter, high-speed nature of Formula 1.

What challenges does Max Verstappen face in endurance racing?

Max Verstappen faces the challenge of adjusting to different machinery and the unique demands of endurance racing, which can be quite different from his experience in Formula 1.