The Nürburgring 24 Hours has never needed an introduction, but this year something feels different. Max Verstappen’s arrival has transformed one of motorsport’s most iconic endurance races into a sold-out event, while Kimi Antonelli is watching closely and preparing for what increasingly looks like his own future step into that world.
The Verstappen effect takes over the Nürburgring
For the first time in history, tickets for the Nürburgring 24 Hours have sold out completely. Much of that is being attributed to the Verstappen effect. The four-time Formula 1 world champion will make his debut in Europe’s most brutal endurance race behind the wheel of the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, car number 3 among the 161 entries, sharing driving duties with Lucas Auer, Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon.
Verstappen secured his DMSB Nordschleife permit in 2025, winning on his GT3 debut in the NLS9 round. Since then, he has continued preparing through NLS2 and the 2026 qualifying sessions, building a path that has attracted not only fans, but also fellow Formula 1 drivers.
Lance Stroll used the recent five-week break to compete in GT World Challenge Europe. And he is not the only one looking beyond Formula 1. Current championship leader Kimi Antonelli has also started showing real interest in the Nordschleife challenge.
Antonelli moves closer to debut: “The licence? At the end of the year”
The question has been circulating for weeks: will Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen eventually race against each other at the Nürburgring?
A clue emerged at Imola during the young Italian’s visit to the World Endurance Championship paddock. There, Antonelli met Jules Gounon, Verstappen’s teammate for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Gounon, who also competes in the WEC with Alpine, asked Antonelli when he planned to obtain his Nürburgring licence. Antonelli’s response was simple and direct:
“I’ll get it at the end of the year.”
The statement sounded very much like a promise. Gounon then praised Antonelli for the remarkable Formula 1 season he is enjoying:
“I’m happy for you. For the season you’re having.”
Antonelli, leading the championship at just 19 years old, appears ready to follow Verstappen’s path into endurance racing as well. And the Nürburgring, with all its legendary status, could become the next major chapter in his development.
Verstappen is already stepping into the chaos of the Nordschleife. Antonelli, meanwhile, is approaching with growing confidence, fully aware that this race is more than just another challenge—it is a rite of passage.
The 2026 season may mark the beginning of a new bridge between Formula 1 and endurance racing. And soon—perhaps very soon—we could witness two generations going head-to-head on the most unforgiving circuit in the world.
As the crossover between the Formula 1 grid and major endurance events continues to grow, fans are witnessing a golden era of driver versatility. By securing his Nordschleife credentials, Antonelli is not only expanding his skill set but also setting the stage for a high-stakes rivalry that transcends traditional Grand Prix racing. This new trend reflects a shift in how the sport’s elite view their careers, prioritizing legendary challenges that test the limits of both machine and man.
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