Max Verstappen makes his 24-hour debut at the Nürburgring this week. The four-time F1 champion has long dreamed of the chance to participate in the endurance classic. This weekend, that dream finally comes true. Thanks to thorough preparation and a very strong lineup, the Dutchman is ambitious. “We are here to win, it’s as simple as that,” he looked ahead.
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Experts call the 24 Hours of Nürburgring ‘the most extreme race there is’. It is no coincidence that Verstappen has prepared extremely well for his debut. The Red Bull driver drove countless test laps on the German asphalt and also took part in several NLS races. This weekend he will compete with the now familiar Mercedes-AMG GT3. He is supported by teammates Jules Gounon, Daniel Juncadella, and Lucas Auer – all GT3 veterans and very skilled endurance drivers.
Not a one-time stunt
In an official press release, the Limburger looked back on where this new challenge began. He explained that when he once started his own racing team, he saw opportunities to race outside Formula 1 but also wanted to create opportunities for promising drivers. “That is what the team stands for,” he said. “Through the sim racing world, I wanted to create opportunities for sim racers to race in the real world. That has already succeeded with Chris (Lulham, ed.).” He also nurtured the wish to make excursions to other racing classes himself. “One of the biggest races of the year is of course the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, that’s why we are here,” he looked ahead to the coming weekend. “We are competing with a professional line-up, but the fact that I am also part of it myself is really cool.”
Verstappen also revealed that his racing team’s participation is not a one-time stunt. “It is also something I want to do every year, with one or more cars,” he added. “The main goal is to win races.” He continued: “What inspired me most to participate is that it is one of the best circuits in the world, or, in a positive sense, perhaps the most insane circuit in the world. It is one of those special races you just want to take part in and win.”
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Good preparation
In his preparation, Verstappen left nothing to chance, despite having to combine all this with his F1 commitments. “For me, it all started in the simulator,” he said. “I drove thousands of laps to get to know the circuit and raced multiple 24-hour races on the virtual Nürburgring. So when I drove here for the first time in real life, getting to know the circuit was no problem. It was mainly about understanding the new kerbstones and grip levels, and of course the real car with all the g-forces and compressions. But sim racing definitely helped me to be up to speed immediately,” he assured.
Racing in the dark will be a new challenge for Verstappen, who will also take on several stints in the middle of the night. “That will probably be the best feeling,” he said about driving in the dark. “You are completely alone but have to give everything at the same time. The car is usually fastest in the dark, so I’m looking forward to it.” The Dutchman is clear about the team’s ambitions. “Success means winning for us, it’s as simple as that. That’s why we came here. I know it won’t be easy, but within the team, we are all determined. At the same time, I’m also looking forward to the whole experience, sharing the car with my teammates, and working together throughout the weekend.”
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