The man behind Red Bull’s Formula 1 success has no doubts about Max Verstappen’s next big challenge. After a recent test weekend at the legendary Nordschleife, Helmut Marko confirmed that the reigning world champion is preparing to take on the Nürburgring 24 Hours, with the clear goal of fighting for victory.
Max Verstappen secures his GT3 racing license
Verstappen has now officially obtained his license to compete in GT3 cars, opening the door to endurance racing at one of the toughest circuits in the world. Last weekend, the four-time Formula 1 world champion raced in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and, thanks to a special waiver from race control, was granted the qualification needed for the Nürburgring Nordschleife. While the regulations normally require 28 laps, Verstappen completed 14, as a second Porsche he was due to race in the four-hour event could not take part due to technical issues. With the license approved, Verstappen can now take aim at the “Green Hell.”
His first major target is the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, scheduled for the weekend of May 17. The timing could not be better: the event does not clash with the Formula 1 calendar, leaving Verstappen free to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races.
Super Max preparing for Nürburgring 24 Hours
Helmut Marko has confirmed that Verstappen’s plan is to take part in the 24-hour classic, most likely driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 with the livery of his own Verstappen.com Racing team. In an interview with German broadcaster RTL, Marko praised the Dutchman’s enthusiasm: “I think it’s fantastic that a Formula 1 driver, who already has so many commitments between racing, simulator work, marketing and public relations, still finds the time to take on something like this with so much passion. I am sure he will compete and that he will fight for overall victory.”
Criticism of the strict licensing system
Marko did not hold back when it came to criticizing the rigid rules of the licensing process. Despite being a four-time Formula 1 world champion, Verstappen still had to prove his knowledge of the 20.8 km Nordschleife circuit, made infamous in 1976 by Niki Lauda’s fiery crash. “It’s incredible that a driver of his level has to demonstrate he can handle a 240-horsepower Porsche on that track,” Marko said. “But Max accepted everything willingly, even though he has probably done more than a thousand laps in the simulator already.”
Endurance racing dreams beyond Formula 1
For Verstappen, the Nürburgring has become a personal passion. Marko added: “The Nürburgring and the Nordschleife naturally fascinate every driver. When our Formula 1 car was not competitive, this became his great passion. Now, both areas are working well for him. As for Le Mans? Well, Le Mans is another story, because the speed differences between categories are even more extreme. For now, when it comes to endurance racing, Max Verstappen is fully focused on the Nürburgring.”
With the confirmation from Marko and Verstappen’s growing interest in GT3 competition, fans can expect to see the Dutch star not only continuing to dominate Formula 1 but also chasing glory at one of motorsport’s most iconic events. The countdown to the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours has officially begun.
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