Max Verstappen starts crucial Nordschleife preparations – first images

Max Verstappen's preparations for the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring are officially underway, with the four-time world champion set to compete in this weekend's NLS2 race at the legendary Nordschleife on Saturday.

The Red Bull driver will take to the track in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for Verstappen Racing, marking his first competitive outing in the machinery he'll pilot in May's 24-hour endurance classic. 

The race begins at 12:00 CET following qualifying at 8:30, with the four-hour encounter serving as crucial preparation ahead of the main event scheduled for May 14-17.

Verstappen will share driving duties with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, the same lineup that will tackle the full 24-hour race. 

The NLS2 round, also known as the ADAC Barbarossa Prize, was specifically rescheduled to accommodate the Dutchman's Formula 1 commitments, moved from March 28 to create a gap between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.

"I'd really like to do this. We're working hard to make it happen," Verstappen explained. "It's fantastic that the organisers changed the date. I need at least one race as preparation. 

"When you're driving a car that you've never taken around the Nordschleife before, it's simply crucial for getting all the procedures right."

Verstappen also highlighted the unique challenges of endurance racing: "Normally, I don't do driver swaps during a pit stop. It's those little details that I need to nail down."

The 28-year-old made his GT3 debut at the Nürburgring in September 2025, immediately securing victory in a Ferrari 296 GT3, a result that underscored his adaptability beyond F1's confines.

You can watch Saturday's race live on RacingNews365's YouTube!