Max Verstappen is set to race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours this weekend, driving a Red Bull-branded Mercedes-AMG GT3 car. This event marks another venture for the four-time F1 world champion as he expands his racing horizons beyond Formula 1.

Having participated in six outings at the Nordschleife over the past year, Verstappen is well-prepared for the endurance challenge that begins at 2 PM on Saturday. He has expressed a desire to compete in various motorsport events, stating, "I don't need to be only an F1 driver, I can also do other things."

The Nurburgring 24 Hours is renowned as one of the toughest endurance races globally, featuring 161 cars tackling a 15.769-mile circuit. The race includes 23 different car classes, with Verstappen's team competing in the top class against formidable competitors such as Porsche 911 GT3 R, BMW M4 GT3, and Ferrari 296 GT3.

Key highlights of the race include:

• Dottinger Hohe straight: Best overtaking spot, where cars can exceed 190 mph.
• Pit stops: Critical for driver changes and refueling, with GT3 cars lasting about an hour on a full tank.

Verstappen's dedication to racing extends to sim racing, where he competes with Team Redline. He emphasizes the importance of staying sharp and adapting to different driving techniques.

Looking to the future, Verstappen has tested prototype cars and expressed interest in competing in prestigious endurance races like Le Mans and the Daytona 24 Hours. Despite a challenging start to the current F1 season, he remains contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028, though performance clauses could allow for an earlier exit, raising questions about a potential sabbatical from F1 to explore other racing opportunities.