Marko confirms Verstappen set for Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2026

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Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen will likely compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2026, confirming the Dutchman has the team’s blessing to take on the legendary endurance race.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion earned last weekend his Nordschleife Permit A, a prerequisite for competing in GT3 cars on the fearsome track, after completing his exam and race laps during a Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS) event last weekend.

Fresh off his victory at the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen traveled to Germany to complete the requirements for the permit, which included a theory exam and 14 race laps in mixed conditions during Saturday’s NLS round.

Driving a 240bhp Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS for Lionspeed GP, Verstappen faced a setback when one of his planned cars was sidelined due to qualifying damage. Undeterred, he completed the necessary mileage in a single car, earning the permit after officials approved the circumstances.

Red Bull Gives the Green Light

Marko confirmed Red Bull would not stand in Verstappen’s way if he enters the 2026 race, which sits between the Miami and Canada Grands Prix on the F1 calendar.

“Yes,” Marko told Sport.de when asked if Verstappen could compete.

“I think it’s great that a Formula 1 driver, who has many obligations in addition to the races – simulator, marketing and PR dates – takes the time for such a thing with huge enthusiasm.”

©X/PorscheMotorsport

The Austrian also took issue with the strict licensing rules that forced Verstappen to prove himself in an underpowered car before being cleared for GT3 machinery.

“This German procedure, which a four-time world champion has to prove that he can drive around the ring with a 240bhp Porsche, is unique,” Marko said.

No Le Mans – for Now

While Verstappen himself has described the idea of tackling the 24-hour Nordschleife classic as “amazing,” Marko made clear that other endurance events, such as Le Mans, are not currently part of the plan.

“Le Mans is not in the program,” he stated. “The speed differences and the different categories are even bigger. For the time being, long distance is only the Nurburgring.”

Read also: Zak Brown opens door to future collaboration with Verstappen

Verstappen’s enthusiasm for racing beyond Formula 1 has not gone unnoticed in the paddock. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown recently said he would relish the chance to partner with the Dutchman in the future, most likely in the WEC.

For now, though, Marko has set the boundaries: Red Bull’s star driver has the freedom to take on one of motorsport’s toughest challenges in 2026 – but only in the Eifel mountains, not at La Sarthe.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.