Markus Winkelhock knows exactly what is driving Max Verstappen toward the Nürburgring 24 Hours. For someone who has won it four times, this race is more than just an extreme challenge: it is a world title concentrated into a single day and night. It is a career-defining achievement that explains why even a four-time F1 world champion considers it a bucket-list objective.
A deep connection with the Nürburgring
The name Markus Winkelhock is familiar to long-time Formula 1 fans. In 2007, he competed in just one race—at the Nürburgring, no less—and in that sole appearance, he famously managed to lead the Grand Prix before retiring. In Germany, however, the 45-year-old is best remembered for what he built away from F1: years in the DTM and four triumphs in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the beating heart of German motorsport.
“Winning a 24-hour race is almost like winning a championship,” he says. “You only have one chance a year, and that’s why it’s so special. It’s one of the reasons Max put it on his wish list: Nürburgring, Spa, Le Mans… these are goals that speak to his nature as a driver.”
For Winkelhock, the magic of the 24 Hours lies in its unpredictability. The fastest driver doesn’t always win; reliability, management, and the ability to survive the chaos of the Nordschleife are what truly count. Yet, when it comes to pure speed, Verstappen has a package that can genuinely aim for the top prize.
Mercedes favorites, but danger lurks around every corner
According to Winkelhock, the current Balance of Performance (BoP) plays in favor of Mercedes.
“If the BoP is on their side—and I think it is—Max has a real chance of winning,” he explains. His AMG GT3 is considered one of the strongest cars on the track, alongside Audi and Porsche. Added to this is a top-tier crew: official Mercedes factory drivers providing experience, pace, and consistency.
However, the German veteran doesn’t hide the pitfalls. “Max has to be careful during overtaking. Perhaps he should go a bit slower, think about the distance. It’s a race that punishes you if you overdo it. But despite everything, I believe he has a good chance of winning.”
The message is clear: Max Verstappen has the talent, the car, and the team. But at the Nürburgring, nothing is guaranteed. That, however, is exactly what makes the victory so highly coveted.
For Winkelhock, the Nürburgring 24 Hours is not just a race; it is a ritual, a motorsport Everest. If there is a driver who can scale it, it is Verstappen. But reaching the summit will require speed, composure, and the ability to respect a circuit that offers no forgiveness.
As Verstappen prepares to tackle the Green Hell, the racing world watches to see if his F1 dominance can translate to one of endurance racing’s most prestigious stages. By balancing his natural aggression with the strategic patience required for a 24-hour marathon, the Dutchman aims to add another legendary trophy to his already historic 2026 campaign.
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