Verstappen Eyes Nurburgring 24 Hours with Mercedes GT3 Switch
Verstappen Explores Mercedes GT3 Option, 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours Participation Still Uncertain
ESTORIL, Portugal – Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, unexpectedly took to the Estoril circuit on Tuesday, piloting a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car fielded by 2 Seas Motorsport. While seemingly a detour from his F1 commitments, the test signals a potentially significant development regarding his ambitions to compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, and a deepening relationship between Verstappen’s burgeoning racing program and the German automotive giant. The move underscores the growing trend of F1 drivers diversifying into GT racing, leveraging their skills and profile in different motorsport disciplines.
Verstappen.com Racing Shifts Focus to Mercedes-AMG
The test car belonged to 2 Seas Motorsport, a team closely linked to Verstappen through team principal Nick Cristofaro, a long-time friend of the Dutch driver. More crucially, 2 Seas Motorsport is poised to become Mercedes-AMG’s dedicated performance team in 2026, effectively absorbing the Verstappen.com Racing project within the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE). This strategic alignment represents a significant shift for Verstappen.com Racing, which previously ran an Aston Martin in the 2025 GTWCE endurance series. The transition to Mercedes-AMG suggests a long-term commitment to GT racing and a desire to operate within a manufacturer’s established framework.
The driver lineup being assembled around Verstappen further solidifies this ambition. Alongside Verstappen, the team is expected to include AMG works driver Jules Gounon, Nordschleife specialist Chris Lulham – who partnered Verstappen to a recent NLS victory – and former AMG driver Daniel Juncadella. This quartet represents a potent combination of speed, endurance racing expertise, and familiarity with the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife.
NLS Scheduling Conflicts Pose Challenge to Verstappen’s Participation
Verstappen’s initial foray into GT racing came with a successful debut in the Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS) in September, co-driving with Lulham. However, a full commitment to the 24-hour race in 2026 hinges on navigating a complex scheduling conflict with his Formula 1 obligations. While the 24-hour race itself (May 14-17) doesn’t clash with an F1 Grand Prix, the preparatory NLS races and qualifying sessions do. According to the FIA, the 2026 F1 calendar is expected to feature 24 races, potentially exacerbating the difficulty of aligning both commitments.
Verstappen acknowledged the challenges during the Singapore Grand Prix in October, stating that his participation depended on “a lot of things,” including the evolving F1 regulations and the logistical complexities of managing both programs. He specifically cited the anticipated disruption caused by the 2026 F1 regulation changes, predicting a more hectic season. “It probably will be a little bit more hectic than the end of a regulation where things are a bit more straightforward,” he said. The ADAC Nordrhein, responsible for the NLS, has reportedly resisted calls to reschedule the qualifying weekend, limiting Verstappen’s potential participation to the three NLS races that don’t conflict with the F1 schedule.
Editor’s note: Original story included a Twitter post confirming Verstappen’s test at Estoril.
Winward Racing Emerges as Preferred Mercedes-AMG Team
Beyond the scheduling hurdles, Verstappen appears to favor Winward Racing as his preferred Mercedes-AMG team for the 24-hour race. Winward boasts a strong pedigree in GT racing, including a successful stint in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM). This established infrastructure and experience are appealing to Verstappen, who seeks a competitive platform for his Nürburgring ambitions. The preference for Winward over the Emil Frey team, which previously ran Verstappen and Lulham in a Ferrari, is reportedly influenced by Lulham’s preference for the more mature GT3 car developed by HWA.
The strategic importance of the Nürburgring 24 Hours to manufacturers like Mercedes-AMG cannot be overstated. The race serves as a crucial proving ground for technology and driver development, offering a unique test of endurance and reliability. According to Statista, the Nürburgring 24 Hours consistently attracts over 200,000 spectators, making it one of the best-attended motorsport events globally. A successful campaign by Verstappen and Mercedes-AMG would generate significant brand exposure and reinforce the manufacturer’s commitment to GT racing.
Despite the logistical and scheduling complexities, Verstappen remains keen to return to the Nürburgring. His recent test with 2 Seas Motorsport and the strategic alignment with Mercedes-AMG demonstrate a clear intent to pursue this ambition. However, the final decision will likely depend on the evolving F1 calendar and the ability to strike a balance between his commitments to both championships. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the F1 superstar will grace the starting grid of the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours.