Max Verstappen sets bold Nurburgring 24h goal: 'Success means winning'

Also driving in the Red Bull-liveried Mercedes will be Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer. Given it will be Verstappen's first-ever appearance at the prestigious racing event, tickets have already been limited due to overwhelming demand.

It will not, however, be Verstappen's first GT3 race at the Nordschleife, as the Dutchman has increasingly featured at NLS races in the last 18 months or so, all gearing up to the gruelling challenge of the 24-hour race. Beginning with the opening qualifying sessions on Thursday, the race will get underway on Saturday 15:00 local time, when the cars cross the line for the first time and officially begin the 24-hour countdown.

Despite only making his 24-hour debut, Verstappen's mentality remains the same as that which has delivered four Drivers' titles, the Dutchman has his eyes set on victory this weekend. “One of the biggest races of the year is of course the 24 hours of the Nürburgring, that’s why we are here," he told Verstappen.com.

On what success would specifically look like this weekend in Germany, Verstappen was clear: "Success would mean winning. That’s very simple, that’s why we are here. I know it’s not going to be easy, but that’s the target for everyone. But at the same time, I am also just looking forward to the whole experience, sharing the car with my teammates, working throughout that whole weekend.”

The four-time world champion also explained why he decided to race in the 24-hour event, before detailing how thousands of hours on the simulator has prepared him to take on the 25.3km track.