Max Verstappen is swapping some F1 paperwork for proper track time. On Saturday he will pilot a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the second round of the NLS, a four-hour race. That is the same race length he won last year in a Ferrari 296 GT3, and this outing will act as a real-race test with a new car he has already tried in previous months.

Why the Nurburgring now

Formula 1 has a quiet spell in April, and Verstappen is using that gap to get seat time ahead of the big endurance weekend. The 24 Hours at the Nurburgring is scheduled for May 14 to 17, and the calendar opening gives him the chance to contest a third NLS event and a focused preparation block.

April 18 and 19: practice in race format

  • On April 18 and 19 there will be two short four-hour races, one of them finishing at twilight.
  • There will also be two qualifying sessions available to the teams taking part in the 24 Hours.
  • With the cancellation of the Saudi Arabia GP in Jeddah, Verstappen will be able to join the sessions that were once clashing with F1 commitments, including the twilight stint from 17:30 to 21:30.

What Verstappen says about endurance racing

Speaking in Shanghai, Verstappen explained why he enjoys GT3 endurance races beyond the attraction of the Nurburgring itself. He described the experience as special and praised the car-track match:

"It is one of the best races in the world and on a GT car you drive at the perfect speed for that circuit. If you went a bit faster in some parts it could become dangerous."

"I have followed the 24 Hours for a long time. I know many friends who have raced it and they say it is one of the best experiences. I like racing against different cars and it was the first time I could really do that properly. I am very excited to see how we do, because the starting grid is very competitive."

He added that the paddock atmosphere feels different and more relaxed compared to F1. He appreciates that environment because it allows him to be more himself.

Verstappen also made it clear he does not want to be defined only as a Formula 1 driver. He wants to try other forms of racing while he is still at an age where he can do it, rather than waiting until he is 40.

Quick context and small extras

The new Mercedes-AMG GT3 Verstappen will drive has already had track miles in earlier tests. The plan is to use real race running in the NLS as preparation for the main event in May.

In other brief notes from the paddock: Toto Wolff is a visible face in a new Adidas-Mercedes capsule collection campaign, and recent data from China highlights that the Red Bull RB22 appears to sit over the minimum weight limit, while the Ferrari SF-26 shows stronger performance than the McLaren at equal weight.

Published: March 18, 2026, 09:55