Max Verstappen made his GT racing debut at the Nurburgring Nordschleife and after earning his licence is now eyeing a 24-hour race at the iconic circuit.

Max Verstappen has declared his ambition to tackle a gruelling 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring following his triumphant GT racing debut on the notorious Nordschleife circuit. Despite there being no F1 action at the weekend, the flying Dutchman was still behind the wheel competing.

Modern F1 stars are seldom permitted to take part in alternative motorsport disciplines, though Red Bull have displayed no resistance to their championship driver pursuing his personal ambition to test himself in GT racing, which he accomplished at the controls of a Porsche Cayman at the legendary ‘Green Hell’. As a newcomer, Verstappen was required to pass an examination simply to participate and, even then, was restricted to racing in a restricted vehicle featuring a capped 300bhp powerplant.

This resulted in the surprising spectacle of the Dutchman being passed by seven vehicles before reaching the opening corner of Sunday’s contest. Nevertheless, he and co-driver Chris Lulham savoured a triumphant maiden outing in the four-hour endurance event, claiming victory in their category and securing 27th position overall.

Most importantly, Verstappen accumulated sufficient laps to secure what he was genuinely competing for – a specialised permit allowing him to compete in GT3 contests at the notoriously challenging and perilous German venue.

“I drove in the wet, the dry and in mixed conditions. I’ve gained experience in where the grip is and isn’t and completed a start procedure. It was really good to gain more experience on this circuit.

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, centre, takes part in the 1000km race (Image: AP)

“It’s challenging and today we saw that some parts of the track were dry and other parts wet. The track surface also differs around the circuit, which makes it difficult to string a lap together, but it’s also what makes it special. To contest a 24-hour race here, in a GT3 car, would be amazing.”

That represents the Dutchman’s ultimate ambition and, having now secured his licence, he could fulfil it as soon as next year.

The 24 Hours of the Nurburgring is slated for May 14-17, 2026, which falls between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix and so, theoretically, he should be available to participate.

However, Verstappen is not anticipated to wait that long for his next sampling of the Nordschleife. It is believed the Dutchman is targeting another GT race there on September 27, whilst an alternative date of October 11 has also been suggested.