Verstappen plans to participate in the Nurburgring 24-hour race "every single year."

      "The primary aim and objective is to secure race victories."

      Max Verstappen has expressed his desire to participate in the Nurburgring 24 Hours "every single year," diving into what numerous drivers regard as the toughest endurance race globally. The four-time Formula 1 world champion will make his debut in this renowned event this weekend, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by his Verstappen.com Racing team and operated by Team Winward Racing.

      As the weekend approaches, the event is witnessing unprecedented interest, with nearly all ticket categories sold out for the first time in the race's history, fueled by Verstappen's popularity at Nurburgring. "The primary focus of the team is to also create chances for other drivers," Verstappen stated via verstappen.com ahead of the race.

      "I had an initial idea of competing outside of Formula 1 myself, but simultaneously - through the world of sim racing - I aimed to provide opportunities for a sim racer to transition to real-world racing." "This has already proven to be successful with Chris (Lulham) so far."

      Verstappen acknowledged that participating in the Nurburgring 24 Hours quickly became a significant personal goal over recent months. "One of the most prominent races of the year is undoubtedly the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring; that's why we're here," he noted. "We're entering with a professional lineup, and my inclusion in the team is really exciting. It's something I want to do every year, whether it’s with one car or several."

      "The primary objective is to win races." The Dutch driver shared that the Nordschleife itself greatly contributes to the appeal. "What inspires me the most is that it’s one of the best tracks in the world, or the craziest in the best sense, where you can race," Verstappen elaborated.

      The preparation for the event has been rigorous, although Verstappen credits sim racing as giving him a significant advantage. "For me, it all began on the simulator," he mentioned. "I've completed thousands of laps to familiarize myself with the track and have raced in multiple 24-hour virtual events at the Nurburgring."

      “So, when I drove here for the first time in real life, getting acquainted with the track wasn’t the challenge. It was about understanding the new curbstones or grip levels, and, of course, getting to know the real car with the g-forces and compressions."

      Verstappen also shared his excitement about driving through the night on the 25.3-kilometer Nordschleife, famously known as the ‘Green Hell.’ "It’s likely going to be the best experience," he stated. "You’re on your own, pushing through the night. The car is usually fastest during nighttime, so I am really looking forward to it."

      Despite the daunting nature of the challenge, Verstappen maintains that the aim is straightforward. "Success would mean winning," he affirmed. "It's quite simple; that's why we are here. I know it's going to be tough, but that's the goal for everyone. However, I’m also eager about the overall experience, sharing the car with my teammates, and working through the entire weekend."

      In the Formule 1 Paddockpraat podcast, seasoned Nurburgring racers Tom Coronel and Jeroen Bleekemolen analyzed why Verstappen is so attracted to this event. "There is no race more extreme than this," Coronel stated. "That’s exactly why Max is embracing this challenge - it is the most intense race in the world.”

      “Le Mans, Daytona, Bathurst - none of them come close. Nothing is as extreme as this." Bleekemolen, who won the 24 Hours in 2013, agreed, noting, "Le Mans may carry more prestige - it's ultimately the largest 24-hour race in the world," he acknowledged, "But the Nurburgring offers by far the toughest challenge."