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Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will tackle the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours with Mercedes this year.
Following months of speculation, the Dutchman has been confirmed to make his debut at the German endurance classic on 14-17 May with the factory-supported Winward team, running under the Verstappen Racing banner.
Verstappen will be joined in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 by factory drivers Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon, plus new Genesis Hypercar signing Daniel Juncadella.
The quartet will make a preparatory outing in this month’s NLS2 race, which has been brought forward by a week to 21 March at Mercedes’ request to allow Verstappen to take part.
The event had originally been scheduled for 28 March, which would have clashed with the annual Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit. Verstappen had made it clear internally that he wanted to complete at least one race in the early part of the NLS to ensure he felt ready for the 24-hour enduro.
His only previous outing at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, last year’s penultimate round in November, was at the wheel of an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3, rather than the Mercedes-AMG GT3 that he will be racing this year.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
“With our performance line-up, we are excellently positioned for the traditionally strong field of the 24h Nurburgring,” said Mercedes customer racing head Stefan Wendl.
“Together with RAVENOL and Verstappen Racing, we put together a balanced driver pairing whose different strengths complement each other perfectly.
"We are very proud that Max Verstappen and his team are also part of the AMG line-up. Together with the operational team Winward Racing and tyre partner Michelin, we have analysed the Mercedes-AMG GT3 in detail once again to tap into further performance potential.
"With the start of an intensive test programme in southern Europe at the end of February, the foundation has been laid for a successful outing at the Nurburgring.”
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