Max Verstappen to Make Competitive Mercedes GT3 Debut Amidst Red Bull Formula 1 Struggles

Max Verstappen prepares for his Mercedes-AMG GT3 race debut at the Nurburgring this weekend amid a challenging F1 season with Red Bull.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 12:13 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Strategic Alliance on the Nordschleife

Max Verstappen is scheduled to make his competitive debut behind the wheel of Mercedes GT3 machinery this weekend at the Nurburgring. Participating in the NLS2 race, the Red Bull driver is utilizing the event as a critical warm-up for his entry into the Nurburgring 24 Hours slated for May 14-17. This appearance marks a unique technical crossover, as Verstappen will pilot a Mercedes-AMG GT3 that features prominent Red Bull branding, the result of a formal collaboration between his personal Verstappen Racing outfit and the German manufacturer.

Adjusting the Calendar for Global Visibility

The scheduling of this weekend's event was specifically altered to accommodate the reigning F1 champion's participation. Originally set for March 28, which would have conflicted with the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session, organizers moved the race forward by seven days. According to official statements from the event coordinators, the date change was a calculated effort to leverage Verstappen’s massive global profile to increase the visibility of the NLS series, providing a commercial boost to all participating teams and competitors.

An Elite Driver Lineup for May’s Endurance Classic

Verstappen will not be tackling the "Green Hell" alone, joining a highly decorated four-man roster designed to contend for victory in the 24-hour race. His teammates include veteran GT specialists Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella. While Verstappen has logged significant time in the Mercedes GT3 during private testing sessions over the recent months, this weekend represents the first time he will face a live competitive field in this specific vehicle, sandwiched between his high-pressure commitments in Miami and Canada.