![\"Helmut](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758274990_493_helmut-marko-red-bull-racing.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHelmut Marko has all but confirmed Max Verstappen’s entry into the 2026 N\u00fcrburgring 24 Hours after the four-time champion acquired his GT3 licence.<\/p>\n
While other drivers used the break between the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix to relax, Verstappen took the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS in the four-hour ADAC ACAS Cup. As a result, the Dutchman has now acquired a Permit A, which is required to race in GT3 and GT4.<\/p>\n
Verstappen explained at the time, “To contest a 24-hour race here, in a GT3 car, would be amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
And while this has not been officially confirmed yet, Marko told ORF in Azerbaijan that Verstappen would be “a factor in the fight for victory” in the 2026 event.<\/p>\n
“I think it\u2019s fantastic that someone who is still active in Formula 1 is doing this. The others who moved into endurance racing had all already left their F1 commitments behind,” Marko explained.<\/p>\n
“The enthusiasm with which he\u2019s doing it shows that for him, racing truly is everything. And the way he takes on these bureaucratic hurdles in Germany with such composure\u2014he\u2019s sure to prepare himself extremely well. And in the 24 Hours, he will certainly be a factor in the fight for victory.”<\/p>\n
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Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing<\/p>\n
Photo by: Marco Canoniero \/ LightRocket via Getty Images<\/p>\n
When asked to clarify if the drive has been confirmed, Marko added, “From our side, it\u2019s confirmed. And I believe from his side as well. But let\u2019s see what else happens. That\u2019s the way it is with him… he\u2019s already driven thousands of laps in the simulator.<\/p>\n
“He\u2019s preparing meticulously, but also with joy. And I believe for endurance racing, it\u2019s an incredible boost when a four-time world champion puts himself on the grid. Back in our day, we would have been thrilled.”<\/p>\n