F1 LIVE | Verstappen hits the track with Mercedes run as Nordschleife weekend kicks off

The four-time world champion, coming off an underwhelming start to the F1 season, is set to return to Germany’s premier endurance series at the infamous Green Hell, stepping back into GT3 competition just a few months on as part of his build-up to the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The Dutchman competed in the NLS in late September 2025, taking part in NLS9 – the ADAC Barbarossapreis. Driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing alongside Chris Lulham, it marked his GT3 debut on the Nordschleife, and he made an immediate impact by dominating the race and taking victory.

The outing came after he had already raced earlier in September, during the NLS7/8 weekend on 13–14 September, as part of the process required to obtain his Nordschleife licence with GT4.

Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon will join Max Verstappen in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo this time, forming a line-up packed with experience across GT and endurance racing.

Qualifying is set for 08:30, with the four-hour race getting underway at 12:00, following the NLS format that concentrates all the action into a single day.