Max Verstappen issued 'dangerous' Nordschleife warning ahead of 24-hour race

Max Verstappen has been warned about the “dangerous” elements of the Nordschleife track ahead of his 24-hour race debut later this year.

Verstappen recently confirmed he would partake in the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this year as he further explores his interest in endurance racing.

The four-time F1 champion will share a Mercedes AMG GT3 with teammates Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella as he goes for victory from May 15 to May 17.

However, prior to his entry, Verstappen must also drive a preparatory race on March 21 around the track.

Race director Walter Hornung voiced excitement over Verstappen's entry, telling De Telegraaf: “That makes our whole team very proud.

“It is very good for the name of the Nürburgring and the whole Eifel region. I think it also shows that we all did well last year.”

Hornung also praised Verstappen for his willingness to obtain his licence for the track without pushing for an exception due to his vast F1 experience and success.

"The rules are the same for everyone and it's a mark of Verstappen that he didn't want any privileges and went through all the steps,” he said.

“Valentino Rossi has also already expressed his desire to compete and the rules to obtain the license are now being relaxed.

"For big, international drivers, it is now only necessary to do eight laps in one race and not make any mistakes in that.

“The main thing is to get to know the track and be able to deal with all the faster and slower cars around you. Maybe Valentino can then quickly compete with Max on this circuit!"

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Verstappen a 'favourite' but warned over track dangers

Verstappen has already competed at a Nordschleife race as he got behind the wheel last September for a four-hour race, which he won alongside Chris Lulham.

Despite the 24-hour race being a whole different challenge, Hornung has backed Verstappen to compete as a favourite for outright victory.

"He is definitely one of the favourites,” he said. “It would be going too far to bombard him as the top favourite right now. 

“The last time AMG won was ten years ago. It will certainly be very special. Max's qualities are unquestionable, but I don't know what his experience is in terms of driving at night."

The Nordschleife is one of the most famous circuits in the world, but is notoriously dangerous due to its high speed and lack of run-off areas.

Hornung has insisted he will reiterate to Verstappen, as well as all of the competing drivers, about the risk that comes with racing at the circuit.

“I didn't speak to Verstappen last year because I wasn't there when he participated,” he said.

“But I definitely hope to have a chat with him beforehand now. Not to give him tips, mind you. I'm not in that position...

"But I just want to congratulate him, welcome him and will say to him during the briefing for the drivers the same thing I do to everyone. 

“Namely that as a driver you have to respect the 'Green Hell' and always keep in mind that motorsport can be dangerous."