Red Bull confirms Verstappen for the 24h Nurburgring.

Red Bull and manager Helmut Marko have given the green light to its driver Max Verstappen to take part in the 2026 24h Nurburgring.

It seems that official confirmation has finally arrived that Verstappen will be able to race in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2026. According to the German TV channel https://www.rtl.de/TL, Helmut Marko made statements regarding this. The Austrian executive reportedly announced that the Austrian team has given the green light to the Dutchman to compete in the most beautiful GT race in the world.

Obviously, Red Bull would have no reason to deny their four-time world champion experience in GT racing. A driver like him should only be kept close by supporting his interests. Moreover, the dedication Red Bull puts into following extreme sports beyond F1 fits perfectly with the endurance race Max will have the opportunity to join next year. His presence will raise the bar for endurance racing and the GT3 category, the queen of closed-wheel racing (after the new Hypercars).

Helmut Marko: “We don’t know where he finds the time to do everything.”

Both Red Bull and Helmut Marko expressed satisfaction and happiness to have a driver so passionate about racing. Red Bull commented that the already busy schedule of an F1 driver leaves little room for much else. Yet Max, besides agreements with sponsors, the F1 calendar around the world, and time with his family, still finds room for endurance racing.

The license to drive a GT3 at the Nürburgring is now secured. Thanks to his efforts last weekend behind the wheel of a detuned 718 GT4—used for Nürburgring rookies—he can now move up to GT3s. He will likely do so driving the Ferrari 296 GT3, a 600-horsepower beast that the Dutch driver will have no trouble mastering.

Verstappen and his 24h Nurburgring license

Although some critics questioned Max’s driving test with instructors at the Ring, Max remained silent. As a true enthusiast and humble person, he got behind the wheel and delivered incredible performances, just as expected. Now, we just have to wait for more statements from him and possibly his appearance at the penultimate NLS championship round on September 27. He might even make his Nürburgring debut with the 296 GT3 there.