Four-time Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 World Champion Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen is set to compete in the legendary Nürburgring 24 HoursCompetition·Nürburgring 24 Hours this weekend, entering the endurance race as a significant favorite. Verstappen has demonstrated a notable adaptation to GT3 automobiles and the challenging Nordschleife, or Northern Loop, of the NürburgringVenue·Nürburgring circuit nestled in Germany's Eifel mountains.
His participation draws a direct parallel to the career of the late Niki LaudaPlayer·Niki Lauda, the only driver in history to have won both the Nürburgring 24 HoursCompetition·Nürburgring 24 Hours and a Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 World Championship. Lauda secured victory at the Nürburgring 24 HoursCompetition·Nürburgring 24 Hours in 1973 driving a BMWTeam·BMW, before going on to claim three Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 world titles in 1975, 1977, and 1984. This unique combination of achievements is what Verstappen now seeks to emulate.
Lauda often recounted how touring car races in the early stages of his career were instrumental in funding his entry into Formula 1Competition·Formula 1. In 1973, he balanced his touring car commitments with his initial Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 starts for BRMTeam·BRM. The Nordschleife holds a poignant place in Lauda's history, as it was the site of his near-fatal crash in 1976 while driving for FerrariTeam·Ferrari, from which he made a remarkable return to racing at the Italian Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who has already secured four Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 World Championships, now turns his attention to conquering the demanding 24-hour endurance event. His current Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 season in 2026 has presented a different challenge, with a start described as 'disappointing' according to recent reports. After four rounds, Verstappen sits seventh in the drivers' championship with 26 points, having yet to secure a victory or a podium finish. His best result this season has been a fifth-place finish.
In the constructors' championship, Verstappen's team, Red BullTeam·Red Bull, faces stiff competition from MercedesTeam·Mercedes and FerrariTeam·Ferrari. Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Kimi Antonelli of MercedesTeam·Mercedes currently leads the drivers' standings with 100 points, followed by teammate George RussellPlayer·George Russell with 80 points, and Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc of FerrariTeam·Ferrari with 59 points. MercedesTeam·Mercedes also holds the lead in the constructors' championship, with FerrariTeam·Ferrari and McLarenTeam·McLaren emerging as strong contenders throughout the 2026 season. Despite these F1 challenges, Verstappen has affirmed his commitment to the sport, stating his intention to remain active in Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 until at least the 2028 season, even as he pursues new racing endeavors like the Nürburgring 24 HoursCompetition·Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Max Verstappen and Winward Racing's Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Nürburgring 24h scrutineering. (Fotostand/IMAGO)
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