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08 May, Friday

Insight - What the Nordschleife and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

What role does the 24 Hours of Nürburgring play for companies in the automotive industry? The answer lies not only between the starting grid and the checkered flag, but above all in the development work that precedes the big event. Because before the battle for positions begins at the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Nordschleife serves as the central testing ground for performance...
Insight - What the Nordschleife and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

08.05.2026

What role does the 24 Hours of Nürburgring play for companies in the automotive industry? The answer lies not only between the starting grid and the checkered flag, but above all in the development work that precedes the big event. Because before the battle for positions begins at the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Nordschleife serves as the central testing ground for performance under real-world extreme conditions—and at the same time as the interface between development, motorsports, and production vehicles. The unique combination of length, track characteristics, and weather conditions makes the Nordschleife a place where motorsports, industry, and product development are directly intertwined. What is proven here stands the test not only in competition—but also on the road. “The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsports events worldwide”Christoph Sagemüller, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport For Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is far more than just a single event. “The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsport events worldwide for us—not only historically, but above all strategically,” explains Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. What matters most is not just the result, but performance under real-world conditions: “Overall victories like those in 2013 and 2016 are clear proof of our brand’s performance.”The foundation for this is laid on the track itself. The Nordschleife is considered the ultimate endurance test—and a development platform at the same time. “What works here works under almost all conditions,” says Sagemüller. The insights gained there flow directly into production vehicles—for example, in the areas of driving dynamics, durability, and performance under extreme conditions. Motorsport and production are closely intertwined in this process: “Our goal is to credibly bring performance from the racetrack to the road.” Testing and development work for the performance brand therefore takes place on various levels. As part of the Nürburgring’s official test and development runs, AMG spends up to 17 weeks a year on the Nordschleife. One of the most spectacular results of this work: the Mercedes-AMG ONE—to this day, the fastest production vehicle on the 20.832-kilometer-long Nordschleife as part of the Nürburgring’s official record runs. Also developed on this legendary asphalt: the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO, the so-called “Beast of the Green Hell.” To this day, experienced race car drivers pilot visitors from all over the world around the Nordschleife in this vehicle as part of the Nürburgring’s co-pilot drives—a direct translation of development into a tangible brand experience. “An oil brand that performs on the Nordschleife is more than suitable for everyday use”Martin Huning, RAVENOL  For suppliers as well, the Nordschleife and test and development drives are a central part of their work. RAVENOL uses the track specifically to test and optimize products under real-world conditions.  “We are constantly developing new products and want to test them exactly where they will later be used,” explains Martin Huning, Director of Motorsport at RAVENOL. The Nürburgring is far more than just a test track: “Everyone knows about the special challenges of the Nordschleife. An oil brand that performs here is more than just suitable for everyday use.” The close connection between testing and competition is particularly evident in the context of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. As a title partner, RAVENOL is firmly established and supports a large portion of the vehicles in the legendary race. “In addition to a well-coordinated team and experienced drivers, what’s needed above all is a reliable overall package—and that includes the right operating fluids,” says Huning. “The Nordschleife tests the vehicle, driver, and tires all at once”Alexander Kühn, Goodyear  Goodyear shares a similar perspective, as its tires must prove their performance under extreme conditions. For the tire manufacturer, consistency is the top priority at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. “It’s not about delivering maximum performance for a few laps, but about building reliability and trust over 24 hours,” explains Marco Lo Prato, Manager of Global Communications – Racing at Goodyear. The Nordschleife serves as a “living laboratory” where technologies must prove themselves under real-world extreme conditions. “It tests everything at once—the car, the driver, and the tires,” says Lo Prato. It is precisely these demands that make the Nürburgring a benchmark that extends far beyond motorsports: “The insights from racing flow directly into our production products. What works here builds trust—even in everyday life.” The Nordschleife as a benchmark for development It is no coincidence that even experienced teams and manufacturers return to the Nordschleife every year for targeted testing. With its 73 turns, ascents, and descents, as well as a varied mix of technical sections and high-speed stretches, the Nordschleife constantly presents new challenges for drivers, vehicles, and technology. Added to this is the unique challenge of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring itself: heavy traffic with vehicles of vastly different performance classes, changing conditions day and night, and a race distance that demands the highest precision and reliability.“The Nordschleife presents new demands every year, which is why targeted preparation is essential,” emphasizes Sagemüller. The same principle applies to everyone involved: Success is not achieved during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but in the weeks and months leading up to it—on the track, during testing, and through continuous development. This makes it clear: The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is not only a sporting highlight but also the most visible culmination of a comprehensive development process. The Nordschleife serves as the interface between motorsports, industry, and production vehicles—a victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and a successful record-breaking run stand for one thing above all else: global recognition and visibility. Or, as has always been said in the context of development work:“Everyone praises what has been tested at the Nürburgring.”

ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, May 14–17, 2026: First ticket categories sold out – be sure to secure your 24-hour tickets in advance!

07.05.2026

24h fans, take note! Demand—especially for Saturday of the 24h weekend—is so high that the first ticket categories are already sold out. The weekend ticket (Friday / Saturday / Sunday) and the race ticket (Saturday / Sunday) are no longer available. The event ticket category (Thursday – Sunday) is also filling up fast: only 7,500 tickets remain (as of Thursday, May 7). Anyone who wants to experience the 24h Nürburgring live on site should therefore secure their ticket as soon as possible here. In addition to the four-day ticket, single-day tickets for Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are still available. However, anyone who drives to the Ring on Saturday without a ticket, hoping for the best, will no longer be able to buy one! To alleviate congestion on Saturday—the most popular day at the 24h Nürburgring, especially given the traffic situation—the organizers have a big request for all fans: Carpool if possible, arrive very, very early on Saturday, or—even better—use the event ticket to head to the Ring as early as Thursday or Friday. Those who were actually planning just a day trip to the Ring can experience racing action on the Nordschleife until late in the evening on Corpus Christi Thursday. Sunday, with the finish at 3:00 p.m., also offers not only a great racing program but also a more relaxed journey.

Interview with Christoph Sagemüller (Mercedes-AMG Motorsport): What the Nordschleife and the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

06.05.2026

Christoph Sagemüller of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport explains why the Green Hell and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are key drivers of development and brand identity. What significance does the 24-hour race hold for your brand?              For Mercedes-AMG, the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsport events worldwide—not only historically, but above all strategically. For us, this endurance classic is an event where our brand must prove itself under extreme conditions. As head of motorsports, however, I don’t measure success there solely by the result, but also by whether we meet our performance standards under real competitive pressure. Overall victories like those in 2013 and 2016 therefore hold special significance for us. They are not only sporting successes but also clear proof of our brand’s capabilities. What significance does the Nordschleife hold for your brand?For us, it is the ultimate endurance test. What works here works under nearly all conditions. This role extends far beyond motorsports. The insights gained there are directly incorporated into our production vehicles, particularly in the areas of driving dynamics, long-term durability, and performance under extreme conditions. There are 24-hour races all over the world. For many, the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife makes all the difference. How do you see it, and why?There are many 24-hour races. Each has its own character, but none combines so many challenges at once as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is known as the “Green Hell” for good reason. The decisive difference lies in the track length as well as in the combination of demanding characteristics, heavy traffic with up to 150 vehicles of various performance classes, and often rapidly changing weather conditions—day and night. This complexity makes the race unique and, in my view, the most demanding 24-hour race in the world. There is also an emotional component: due to its proximity to Affalterbach, our local development site, and close ties to the region, this race feels like a home race for us. What attributes and emotions do you generally associate with the Nordschleife, and what makes this track so special during the 24-hour race?The Nordschleife stands for maximum intensity, precision, and respect. It is one of the most challenging tracks in the world. It demands an exceptionally high level of concentration and discipline from both drivers and the technology. But that is precisely what makes it so appealing. At the same time, the fans, the teams, and the special atmosphere along the track create a unique experience that is virtually unparalleled. For us as a brand, this connection is further brought to life through our own touchpoints, such as the AMG Lounge or grandstand—this creates a sense of closeness and makes the brand tangible on-site. What exactly does it take to be successful on the Nordschleife and, ultimately, in the 24-hour race?Success at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is always the result of a perfectly coordinated overall package. In my view, the following factors are crucial: perfect preparation, flawless team procedures, clean and proactive navigation through traffic, and clear strategic discipline over the entire race distance. Everything beyond that—and what sets this race apart from most others—such as unexpected conditions, heavy traffic with vehicles of very different performance classes and correspondingly large speed differences, as well as the overall course of the race—can only be influenced to a limited extent. That’s why, in addition to preparation, a certain amount of racing luck is always part of the equation. If you’ve been developing and testing at the Nürburgring for years: Why are specific Nordschleife tests even necessary in the run-up to the 24-hour race? The Nordschleife presents new challenges every year, which is why targeted preparation is essential. Changes to the track, varying weather conditions, new tire specifications, and shifting driver and team lineups make it necessary to revalidate every detail. This year, in particular, we are working with new team structures. This makes it all the more important that all processes and coordination are fine-tuned under real-world conditions beforehand. Even our long-standing and highly experienced drivers need and want sufficient preparation time on the Nordschleife to get ready for the race in the best possible way. Because even if you drive the track repeatedly, the combination of the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit, at around 25 kilometers, is exceptionally long. If you extrapolate that to other race tracks, it quickly becomes clear how much more intensive the preparation must be. What role does the Nordschleife play for your brand as a testing and development site for racing, as well as for production vehicles and end-customer products?For Mercedes-AMG, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most important development sites worldwide. It allows us to test stresses and driving conditions at an intensity and density that cannot be replicated in normal road use. A kilometer driven on the Nordschleife under high-speed conditions is equivalent to many times a standard kilometer in road use. This results in significant added value for our production vehicles. Motorsport is a key driver in this regard: insights from racing are directly incorporated into the development of our high-performance models—with the goal of enabling our customers to experience performance and reliability under extreme conditions. Where is the overlap between racing and products for end customers / normal road traffic?The overlap lies primarily in technology, expertise, and development philosophy. Topics such as aerodynamics, suspension, thermal management, and efficiency are tested in motorsport under extreme conditions and subsequently transferred to production. Our goal is to credibly bring performance from the racetrack to the road. A current example is the parallel development of our new Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the next generation of the road-legal Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. For me, this is the most consistent approach to integrating motorsports and production development. Following question 8: What communication priorities do you derive from the 24-hour race, and what significance does the Nordschleife factor hold for you in this context? a.    In on-site activationOn-site, the focus is on the immediate brand experience. It’s about making performance not just visible, but tangible—through proximity to the brand, exclusive insights, and direct touchpoints such as the lounge, showroom, or grandstand.b.    In national/international communications surrounding the race? In international communications, we use the race as a credible stage for our performance expertise. The key point is: We demonstrate our capabilities not in a lab, but in real competition under extreme conditions.c.    In long-term strategic communications?In the long term, our involvement contributes to positioning Mercedes-AMG as a high-performance brand. The Nordschleife is the most visible proof of our capabilities. It stands for credibility, durability, technical substance, and our commitment to continuously proving ourselves under the toughest conditions.

Interview with Alexander Kühn (Goodyear): What the Nordschleife and the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

06.05.2026

Alexander Kühn of Goodyear discusses the challenges of the Nordschleife and explains how insights from the 24-hour race are incorporated into product development. What significance does the 24h race have for your brand?For Goodyear, a 24 hour race represents the ultimate proof point of performance continuity. It’s not about delivering peak performance for a few laps, but about maintaining consistency, reliability and confidence over an entire day and night of racing. This philosophy is deeply rooted in our DNA and connects directly with iconic events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring or the 24h of Le Mans, where Goodyear has demonstrated, time and again, its ability to support teams with tires that perform predictably and consistently under extreme and evolving conditions. A 24 hour race is where trust is built and earned. What significance does the Nordschleife have for your brand?The Nürburgring Nordschleife holds a unique place in Goodyear’s racing heritage. As one of the most demanding circuits in the world - combining high speeds, technical sections, elevation changes and constantly evolving grip levels - Goodyear has achieved multiple victories there and remains a trusted partner for teams across categories. Most recently, Goodyear secured wins in both the GT3 Pro AM and AM classes in the final Qualifier race ahead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.  What does success at the Nordschleife represent for Goodyear today, both in terms of heritage and ongoing relevance in motorsport?For Goodyear, Nordschleife is a true living laboratory. It pushes tire technology to its limits and perfectly reflects what we stand for: engineering excellence, durability, and performance consistency under pressure. Beyond the track itself, the Nürburgring also represents one of Goodyear’s longest standing partnerships in motorsport. As an official partner of the Nürburgring, it has become one of the most powerful places in the world to experience the excitement of motorsport and to engage with the millions of fans who gather around this iconic venue every year. There are 24h races all over the world. For many, the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring makes the difference. How do you see this and why?We fully understand why the Nordschleife stands apart. While many circuits test speed or endurance, the Nordschleife tests everything at once - car, driver and tire.Its length, complexity and unpredictability make it a true benchmark for endurance racing. Success here requires not just outright performance, but a tire that delivers confidence, stability and consistency over long stints, changing weather and varying track conditions. That combination is what makes the Nürburgring 24h so special - and so meaningful for Goodyear. What attributes and emotions do you generally associate with the Nordschleife, and what makes this track even more special during the 24h race?The Nordschleife is synonymous with respect, intensity and authenticity. It commands focus and rewards precision. During the 24 hour race, those emotions are amplified. Racing through day and night, in changing temperatures and conditions, creates a unique experience. For Goodyear, it embodies the essence of endurance racing: resilience, teamwork and unwavering performance over time. What does it take in concrete terms to be successful on the Nordschleife and ultimately also in the 24h race?Success at the Nordschleife, and over a full 24 hours, comes down to performance continuity. Teams need tires they can rely on lap after lap, stint after stint, without surprises. From our side, this means delivering products that combine grip, consistency and predictability, allowing drivers and teams to stay focused on execution rather than adaptation. Whether it’s the Nürburgring or the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the principle remains the same: endurance racing rewards consistency - and that is where Goodyear excels. If you have been developing and testing at the Nürburgring for years: why are specific Nordschleife tests still required in the run-up to the 24h race?Even after years of development and testing at the Nürburgring, specific Nordschleife testing remains essential ahead of the 24‑hour race because the circuit is never static. Conditions change constantly - from weather and temperature to track evolution and traffic density - and the demands of a 24‑hour event are fundamentally different from any other race. Pre‑event testing allows us to validate tire behavior under the exact conditions teams are likely to face during the race weekend, refine compound selection, and ensure absolute consistency and predictability over long stints. At the Nordschleife, success is not about peak performance alone - it is about consistency, confidence and repeatability over time. These final tests ensure our tires are fully aligned with the unique challenges of the race and give teams the trust they need to focus on execution when it matters most. What role does the Nordschleife play for your brand as a test and development location for racing as well as for production vehicles and end-customer products? Running on the Nürburgring Nordschleife is a performance and validation requirement for several OE manufacturers, proving relevance not only in racing, but also in consumer product development. Where is the overlap between racing and the product for the end customer / normal road use? The overlap between racing and everyday road use lies in the fundamentals. In racing, we push tires to their absolute limits in terms of load, temperature, durability and predictability - often over long stints and under constantly changing conditions. Those same qualities are exactly what customers value on the road: confidence, consistency and longevity - not just peak grip. Circuits like the Nürburgring Nordschleife act as a bridge between these two worlds. It is a proving ground not only for racing tires, but also a validation benchmark for production and OE tires. The data, materials knowledge and construction solutions developed in racing are directly transferred into our road products, from compound behavior to structural integrity and wet grip performance.In short, racing allows us to accelerate learning at the extreme, and that learning translates into better, more reliable and more advanced tires for everyday drivers. That race to road transfer is at the core of Goodyear’s approach and a key reason why our products perform not just on the track, but where it matters most - on public roads. Following on from question 8: which communication priorities do you derive from the 24h race and what significance does the Nordschleife factor have for you in this context?The Nürburgring is an exceptional, multi‑layered communication platform for Goodyear. On one level, performance sits at the core: delivering strong results and explaining how we work is a key international communication priority, because performing well at the Nürburgring is a powerful statement in itself. This is precisely why we are a long‑term partner of the circuit. The Nordschleife represents the ultimate benchmark, and continuing to improve there is one of our objectives - there is no better place to challenge ourselves, push performance limits and demonstrate our engineering credibility to a global audience driven by passion and authenticity.

24h Nürburgring to Use Full Digital Power on the Nordschleife for the First Time

04.05.2026

The digitization of the legendary Nordschleife reached the next level in the summer of 2024. Following a two-year construction phase and an investment of approximately twelve million euros, a network of 100 cameras and 46 LED panels is providing a new level of safety. Until now, the upgrade has only been used for tourist drives, track days, and test runs. At this year’s ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, this system will now be fully integrated into race operations for the first time. Seamless connectivityThe system is based on 100 cameras and 46 LED panels installed along the entire track. Thanks to the installation of 80 kilometers of electrical and data cables, the entire Nordschleife—including all 73 turns—can be monitored seamlessly. During normal operations on the Nürburgring Nordschleife—such as public driving sessions—not all track marshal posts are staffed; however, the cameras and panels allow vehicles on the track to be tracked and warnings issued in a timely manner if problems arise. At the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, this feature provides an added safety benefit. In the event of incidents—such as technical malfunctions, accidents, or slippery spots—race control can react even more quickly. “For nearly two years now, this digitalization step has allowed us to improve the flow of tourist and test drives,” reports Ingo Böder, Managing Director of Nürburgring GmbH. “Now we’re pleased that the 24 Hours of Nürburgring can also benefit from this.” Greater Safety Even in DaylightDuring public driving sessions and track days, the 46 LED panels along the GP circuit and the Nordschleife are designed to warn drivers of hazards hundreds of meters in advance, thereby preventing accidents. During the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, these will be used to assist drivers and track marshals. The focus here is on increasing safety in daylight conditions. They exclusively display the flag signal shown by the respective track marshal. Unlike the flags, the panels have no relevance under motorsport regulations. As darkness falls, the flags will be replaced by light signals, as has been the case in the past. In conjunction with other measures—such as the Incident Camera System, which enables live transmission from all cockpits—the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring is taking another major step forward in the area of safety.

#24hNBR – Important ticket update

30.04.2026

🎫 Ticket demand in advance sales is exceptionally high.For the first time in the history of the 24h Nürburgring, it is possible that – due to the strong pre-sale demand – the box office on-site may not open at all. So: Secure your tickets online early to make sure you don’t miss out! 🚗 A quick note on travel planning:Arrive as early as possible and allow sufficient time – both for accessing the camping areas and for race day itself. We’ll keep you updated with all relevant information in the coming weeks.

Boom in participation at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

29.04.2026

The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring is more than living up to its reputation as a motorsport festival of superlatives this year: With 161 entered vehicles, it will feature the largest starting field in over a decade—the last time more teams competed in this endurance classic at the Green Hell was in 2014, with 165 vehicles. Because the rush of teams is so great, even the entry regulations—which originally limited the field to 150 participants—are being adjusted. This is also made possible because many racing teams are limiting their space requirements, thereby making room for competitors and colleagues. A first glance at the starting list promises an extremely competitive field with nine GT3 manufacturers and over 40 vehicles in the top class. At the same time, the 2026 race thrives on what has always defined the 24 Hours of Nürburgring: true multi-class racing, featuring world stars, factory drivers, and Nordschleife specialists alongside ambitious privateers. ➡️ Click here to go directly to the starting grid. Max Verstappen, a prominent debutant, is a particular focus of attention. The Formula 1 world champion will be competing with his Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, sharing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella—three teammates who rank among the absolute best, both in terms of their track record and their Nordschleife expertise. Together, they form a lineup that is likely to set the benchmark for many competitors. The season so far on the Nordschleife also underscores this potential: At the NLS opener, the team initially secured a victory before a disqualification cost them the win; at the Qualifiers in mid-April, they continued their preparations with more laps in the lead before a technical issue forced a retirement. World-class drivers in the leading groupEven beyond the Verstappen car, the 2026 field is exceptionally strong. In the top classes—SP9, SP-Pro, SP-X, and AT1—there are a total of 49 cars competing for the coveted spots in the three-tiered top qualifying. The battle for the best starting positions will therefore be particularly intense this year, and the pressure is already enormous in qualifying. After all, in the “24-hour sprint”—which the endurance classic has evolved into—a good starting position is more important than ever if you want to compete for the overall victory. The defending champions from Rowe-BMW are sending two of their BMW M4 GT3s in pursuit of victory this year—each with a lineup of top factory drivers in the cockpit. Equally strong is the lineup from their brand colleagues at Schubert, who round out the BMW contingent. At Porsche, Manthey is once again leading the charge and sending the “Grello” #911 into the race with Kévin Estre, Thomas Preining, and Ayhancan Güven—meaning there are two DTM champions in the car. Preining secured the title in 2023, while Güven was crowned champion in 2025. Estre, in turn, won the 2021 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the Manthey Porsche. The winners of the 24h Qualifiers, Scherer PHX (Audi), are also represented, while Abt (Lamborghini), Walkenhorst (Aston Martin), Dinamic and Lionspeed (Porsche), HRT (Ford), and other top teams are bringing driver lineups to the Ring that leave little to be desired. Nine manufacturers in the top class, excitement across the entire fieldThe immense quality at the top is also reflected in the diversity of brands. With Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche, nine manufacturers are represented in the top class. In addition, there are a total of 22 other classes where teams are also competing for victories, podium finishes, and prestige. Outside the top group, things are particularly exciting in the GT4s in SP10 (13 starters) as well as in the two Porsche Cup classes (Cup 2 with 11 starters and Cup 3 with 17 starters). And so it becomes clear that the icing on the cake of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is its diversity: while the battle for overall victory rages at the front, countless other stories unfold across the field, making the race so unique. Huge Starting Grid – Made Possible by Team SpiritThe fact that 161 vehicles will be able to line up at the start in 2026 is by no means a given. This is because the entry regulations previously allowed for a maximum of 150 vehicles—primarily because the space available in the paddock and the pits barely meets the teams’ requirements anymore: where a workshop tent used to suffice for full service for many teams, trucks are now lined up. To still give all the participants mentioned a chance to start, intensive coordination was necessary in recent days. Staff from ADAC North Rhine-Westphalia sought solutions in discussions with numerous teams, reorganized the layout, and scrutinized every square meter that had been requested. Through a great deal of meticulous work, the way was cleared to accommodate the massive starting grid. “We are very pleased with the extraordinary response to the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring 2026,” says Race Director Walter Hornung. “The fact that we can bring this large and high-caliber field to the starting line is only possible because many teams have cooperated. I would like to express my sincere thanks for that. This demonstrates the special spirit of the endurance racing community at the Nordschleife: from world-class stars to private drivers, everyone is pulling together because everyone wants to be a part of this special race.”

From the Champions League to the Green Hell

28.04.2026

The news sent shockwaves through the racing world: Max Verstappen will compete in the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. The four-time Formula 1 world champion is thus capping off a long preparation phase that began with sim racing, continued through NLS races and the mandatory permit for the Nordschleife, and culminated in the prologue at the 24h Qualifiers. When the starting lights turn green on May 16, the Dutchman will become the 35th Formula 1 driver to be immortalized in the 24h’s history. With his four F1 titles, he certainly stands out from the rest. But some of the former 24 Hours drivers among the F1 veterans could and can certainly hold their own against his prominence—from Niki Lauda, who won the endurance classic at the Ring in 1973, to German F1 heroes Christian Danner, Nick Heidfeld, and Timo Glock. Verstappen also leads the statistics in terms of GP starts (236 F1 starts to date). Nelson Piquet (204 GPs) had a similarly extensive career in the premier class before competing at the Ring in 1994. Also unmatched: Verstappen’s four world championship titles, which even Piquet (champion in 1981, ’83, and ’87) as well as the 24-hour race participants Lauda (1975, ’77, and ’84) and Jack Brabham (1959, ’60, and ’66) cannot match. The Australian, who was knighted as “Sir,” came to the Eifel in 1980 but stood no chance in the Karthauser team’s Audi 80. “Striezel” Stuck also remains unmatchedAs a 24-hour rookie, there are naturally some areas where a number of Grand Prix drivers who have competed in the 24 Hours have the edge. For instance, it would take a lot of staying power to match the 19 starts at the 24 Hours that Hans-Joachim Stuck racked up from 1970 to 2011. “Striezel” secured three overall victories during this period—most notably, of course, first place at the inaugural 24 Hours in 1970. Markus Winkelhock has also recorded three victories in his 16 starts to date. However, the most successful former Formula 1 driver at the 24 Hours comes from Portugal: Pedro Lamy racked up five overall victories and six class wins between 2001 and 2010. It wasn’t just Formula 1 drivers who made an appearanceAmong the world-class drivers who found their way to the Ring for the 24 Hours were not only those from Formula 1: With Walter Röhrl (GER), Ari Vatanen (FIN), and Sébastien Loeb (FRA), three bona fide World Rally Champions were also on the starting grid. The Finn claimed one world title (1981), Röhrl two (1980 and 1982), and Loeb as many as nine (2004 to 2012). Not to mention Johnny Cecotto. Before his time in Formula 1 (1983 to 1984), the Venezuelan had won two world titles (1975 and ’78) and 14 race victories in the World Motorcycle Championship. He also made his mark at the 24 Hours of Le Mans during his four starts between 1988 and 1992—he claimed the overall victory in 1992 alongside former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner, as well as Jean-Michel Martin and Marc Duez.

May Highlights at the Nürburgring: 24-Hour Race, Green Hell Driving Days, and a PS Premiere

28.04.2026

After a great start to the season, the Nürburgring is shifting into high gear this May: The coming month will be dominated by one of the world’s most famous endurance races, will host the German premiere of a unique horsepower festival, and will offer fans plenty of opportunities to get out on the track themselves. Verstappen, cycling, the quarter-mile—there’s something for everyone this May. Information on all events is also available online at nuerburgring.de. Here are the Nürburgring highlights for May: German premiere: Low Scty PS Arena & Bikeforce26 | May 9, 2026On May 9, the Nürburgring will become the center of European automotive and mobility culture. The Low Scty PS Arena is coming to Germany for the first time. The festival is far more than a classic car and tuning meet: on the short section of the Grand Prix circuit, JDM legends will face off against US muscle cars and uncompromising hypercars. A highlight is the “Race402”: In the traditional quarter-mile drag race on the start-finish straight, high-performance cars with a combined total of over 125,000 horsepower will compete in direct duels. At the same time, the hearts of motorcycle fans will race faster at “Bikeforce26.” The stunt bike competition promises pure adrenaline as Europe’s most talented riders showcase their skills. Get up close to the cars and enjoy some racing talk during the Gridwalk at the Drivers’ Parade, as well as at “Cars on Track,” where you can stroll across the race track. Tickets are available starting at 29.99 euros. The Race of the Year on the Nordschleife: ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring | May 14–17, 2026In mid-May, the motorsports world turns its attention to the Eifel. At the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, man and machine take on the Green Hell—and tens of thousands of fans cheer them on from the track’s perimeter. Even though the final starting grid hasn’t been released as of press time, the organizer has already hinted: This year is going to be packed—both on and off the Nordschleife. All 150 starting spots are filled, and spectator turnout at the qualifying races was massive. One reason: Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen is competing in the 24-hour race this time and aims to claim the endurance crown. Day tickets start at 37.00 euros; the full event experience from Thursday to Sunday can be booked starting at 74.00 euros. For those who want to follow the action from home: In addition to the livestream on YouTube in German and English, the TV channel NITRO will broadcast the entire race. Motorcycle racing and touring car actionThe weekend following the 24-hour race, the Grand Prix circuit will first belong to the bikers: The ADAC / DMC Reinoldus Race Weekend (May 23–24) offers thrilling grassroots racing in numerous classes—from the scooter class to the Yamaha R7 & R3 Cup and the spectacular Northern Sidecar Cup. At 10.00 euros per day, admission is particularly family-friendly. The month’s motorsport events conclude with the DMV Goodyear Racing Days (May 29–31), featuring well-attended touring car and GT series, as well as the Nordschleife specialists from the RCN and GLP on May 30. Get Behind the Wheel Yourself: Green Hell Driving Days, Cycling and Running Meetups & Nordschleife Track WalkFor all those who prefer to take the wheel (or handlebars) themselves, May offers plenty of opportunities to experience the asphalt of the legendary racetrack from the cockpit’s perspective. The Green Hell Driving Days powered by Goodyear kick things off from May 1 to 3: Around Labor Day, the Nordschleife opens its gates to tourist drivers for three consecutive days, from morning until evening.Those who prefer to explore the ideal line at a slower pace and with expert background information can take a look behind the scenes at the Trackwalks Nordschleife on May 8, 22, and 29. Since spots for these exclusive guided tours on foot and by bus are strictly limited, we recommend registering quickly. All information can be found on the Nürburgring website. It’s all about muscle power on May 25 and 30: As soon as the engines fall silent, the track belongs to cyclists and runners during the Bike & Run Meet starting at 7:00 PM. It’s a rare chance to enjoy the famous combinations of curves in the special atmosphere of the evening sun and to conquer the “Green Hell” by bike as a very special challenge. The Nürburgring highlights in May 2026:•    May 1–3, 2026: Green Hell Driving Days powered by Goodyear (public driving sessions)•    May 9, 2026:          Low Scty PS Arena & Bikeforce26•    May 14–17, 2026: ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring with RCN and DHLM•    May 23–24, 2026:  ADAC / DMC Reinoldus Race Weekend•    May 25, 2026:         Cycling & Running Meetup (Nordschleife & GP Circuit)•    May 29–31, 2026: DMV Goodyear Racing Days•    May 30, 2026:         RCN & GLP