GT REPORT understands that Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella will join four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen on the Nordschleife in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo fielded by Winward Racing. The Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Nürburgring programme is yet to be confirmed.

The three Mercedes-AMG drivers are likely to join Verstappen during NLS2 (March 14) and during the Nürburgring 24h, which takes place from 14-17 May.

As already reported on by German media, the cancellation of the WEC Prologue in Qatar opened up the possibilities for Gounon and Juncadella, who were supposed to fullfil their Hypercar duties in the last weekend of March. The situation in the Middle East makes it impossible for WEC to hold their race.

Chris Lulham, who competes for Verstappen Racing, was previously also named in the line-up, yet appears to miss out on another Nordschleife drive this time. The prologue of the 24 hours of Spa is also held from 19 to 20 May, directly after the 24 hour race on the Nordschleife.

The Mercedes-AMG car of Verstappen Racing in GT World Challenge Europe is fielded by British-Bahraini outfit 2 Seas Motorsport, but GT REPORT understands that Winward Racing formed a natural choice – which already became clear at the end of 2025 – considering their HQ in Altendiez, near the Nordschleife, and their experience on The Green Hell.

The entry of the #80 Winward Mercedes, driving under the Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL banner, in the Nürburgring 24h was already confirmed in February, although no drivers were announced at the time. Auer, Gounon, Juncadella and Verstappen are yet to be confirmed.

Gounon, Juncadella and Lulham were seen testing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 car on Paul Ricard and Misano in February and during the beginning of March, after a test programme was already run at Portimão earlier in the year.

Schedule clashes for NLS3 and Qualifiers

It’s not impossible to think that the Formula 1 Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi-Arabia will get cancelled too, as the unease in the Middle East continues towards April. In the case both races are cancelled, F1 appears to not be looking for races that can fill those gaps in the calendar.

An F1-free month would offer Verstappen time to also participate in NLS3 (April 11) and the 24h Nürburgring qualifiers (April 18-19). In that case, Verstappen would likely have to form another line-up, as all drivers are occupied: NLS3 clashes with the GTWCE Endurance Race at Paul Ricard, while the 6 Hours of Imola take place in the same weekend as the qualifiers.