How Verstappen's Nurburgring adventure marked the next phase of his legacy

It was very hard to not reflect on Max Verstappen’s career as he tackled the Nordschleife for the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours - which potentially delivered a full circle moment. A full circle moment that was well-documented in the build-up, as it came almost exactly 10 years on - out by two days - from when he made history by winning the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

Verstappen was obviously well known before Barcelona, excelling as a 17-year-old rookie for Toro Rosso which made many within Formula 1 identify him as a future world champion. It was clear that he was destined for greatness, but, as with most things, it requires a specific moment for the wider world to really take notice and understand something special is happening.

Barcelona was Verstappen’s moment. 

It was where he became the first teenager to win a grand prix - an honour that also now belongs to Kimi Antonelli - and his Red Bull debut is a true ‘I was there’ moment for the people in attendance. The same should be said about those at the Nurburgring over the weekend, as the exhilarating German track became the centre of the motorsport world…and this was down to Verstappen, who gave a new meaning to the 24-hour race.

In its recent history it has been a cult event for German fans, but Verstappen’s decision to enter this year aboard a Mercedes-AMG with Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer opened it up to a non-GT3 audience boasting a record 352,000 tickets sold.

“The first few practices, I looked at Max going out of the pitlane and I looked at the grandstand on a Thursday afternoon,” says Gounon. “Normally, first few practices, there are a lot of people because it’s a big race, but not full. It was full there. It’s just something special and I think this race has always been special. But with Max, it’s extra.”

Verstappen's presence alone saw a huge increase in fans and worldwide interest in this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours

Photo by: Marc Fleury

That added excitement was clear throughout, whether it be in the campsites deep in the Eifel forests or the track paddock. Verstappen merchandise was worn in all corners, as was the chanting of his name, while this writer was even in the middle of a huge crowd outside his garage at 1am during the race. 

Fans just wanted a glimpse of Verstappen, who certainly wasn’t drawing this level of star fandom 10 years ago in Spain. But now, four world titles, a child and fully-grown beard later, he is. 

And that fanfare is now potentially moving into endurance racing with many never having attended an event before. So, here's hoping the weekend just gone isn’t a flash in the pan and does hold a lasting impact, becoming GT racing’s moment to showcase itself on a greater stage long term.

Not only may increased awareness encourage first-timers to come back to this special event - and speaking to some of those in attendance for the first time at the Nordschleife, it will - but it will also cause other F1 drivers to think, ‘I want some of that’

It’s also hard to see why not, because the race was enthralling and witnessed Verstappen at his absolute best. Although a driveshaft failure denied the team victory late on, the Dutchman’s magic had already been showcased - especially in his first stint.

Joining the track in 10th, net third, he was patient behind traffic before weaving through it while also claiming the race lead, which included a daring move down the inside of Turn 1. He eventually ended that stint with a 23s advantage, before delivering a similar masterclass during his night run as he closed a six-second gap to Maro Engel, overtook him, before pulling 20s out in front. 

It left not only the fans in awe of the four-time world champion, but also the grid. “He came here without any fear to face himself against the best in our job,” says Juncadella. “He excelled in what he did. He gave an amazing show to all the people. This created an amazing awareness for motorsport for the future.”

Could Verstappen's exploits lead the way for other active F1 drivers to take on races outside of the grand prix circus?

Photo by: Marc Fleury

Not only may that increased awareness encourage first-timers to come back to this special event - and speaking to some of those in attendance for the first time at the Nordschleife, it will - but it will also cause other F1 drivers to think, ‘I want some of that’.

“Certainly a few of them have been watching this weekend,” says Engel, who eventually won in the sister Mercedes. “I’ve been in contact with Kimi and I know he always follows what’s going on in GT3 racing, especially at the Nurburgring. So yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if some more drivers come and race here to find out first hand how amazing the Nordschleife is in a GT3 car.”

So this looks set to become the next stage of Verstappen’s trend-setting legacy, 10 years on from when he kickstarted one of F1’s most legendary careers in the modern era, setting various precedents along the way - whether that be leading to the Netherlands’ return on the F1 calendar, or indirectly encouraging teams to look more towards younger talent.

And just hearing from the current grid, it seems like there is the appetite for it with Antonelli, Lando Norris and George Russell, just to name just a few, all expressing interest in following in Verstappen’s footsteps. 

That’s nothing but good news and a real throwback to drivers of the 1950s and ‘60s, but whether that does happen or not remains to be seen. Regardless, Verstappen, with his typical laidback persona, won’t necessarily care as long as he himself keeps doing what he enjoys. So what his Nurburgring 24 Hours debut signalled was the start of a successful endurance career.

No victory on debut, but Verstappen showed why he will find instant success in endurance racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool