Max Verstappen on Nürburgring 24 Hours debut: Success means winning that's why we are here

The four-time Formula 1 World Champion will compete in a Mercedes AMG GT3 entered by Verstappen Racing and run by Team Winward Racing alongside Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.

“Success would mean winning,” Verstappen is quoted on his official website, ahead of the endurance classic. “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 ADAC Ravenol Nürburgring 24 Hours marks Verstappen’s first appearance in a 24-hour race and another major step in his growing GT3 ambitions outside Formula 1. He revealed:  “What the team mainly represents is also creating opportunities for other drivers.

“I started with an idea in mind of racing outside of Formula 1 myself, but at the same time through the sim racing world I wanted to create opportunities for a sim racer to go to the real world. That already worked with Chris Lulham so far.”

Verstappen admitted the Nürburgring event has long been one of his bucket-list races: “One of the biggest races of the year is of course the 24 hours of the Nürburgring, that’s why we are here. We are entering with a pro lineup and with myself in the lineup, that is really cool. It's also something I want to do every single year, with one car or multiple cars. The main objective and goal is to win races.”

The Dutch ace said his love for the Nordschleife developed through years of simulator racing before taking to the real circuit: "What inspired me the most is that it's one of the best tracks in the world, or the craziest track in the world, in a good way, that you can race at. It is one of these special races that you just want to compete in and win.

“For me it all started on the simulator. I have done thousands of laps, to learn the track, and competed in multiple 24-hour races at the virtual Nürburgring. So, when I went out here for the first time in real life, getting to know the track wasn't the issue.

"It was all about understanding the new curbstones or grip levels, and of course understanding the real car with the g-forces and compressions. For sure the sim racing helped a lot to be on pace immediately," explained the four-time Formula 1 world champion.

The 25.3km Nürburgring Nordschleife is regarded as one of motorsport’s most dangerous and demanding circuits, with changing weather and night running adding to the challenge.

“It’s probably going to be the best feeling,” Verstappen said about driving in darkness. “You’re by yourself, pushing in the night. The car is normally fastest in the night, so I'm looking forward to it.”

Qualifying for the 54th Nürburgring 24 Hours begins on Thursday before the race starts at 15:00 CEST on Saturday and finishes 24 hours later on Sunday afternoon.