Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May with his own GT3 team, supported by Red Bull, it was announced on Monday.

The Red Bull Racing driver has already taken part in several sports car races and has previous experience racing on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Verstappen, 28, will share driving duties with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. The car will carry the Dutch driver’s familiar racing number.

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport confirmed that Verstappen will also take part in a preparation race at the Nürburgring on March 21. The event was rescheduled to ensure he could compete between his Formula 1 commitments at the Chinese Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours will take place on May 16–17, fitting into Verstappen’s packed schedule between the Miami Grand Prix on May 3 and the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on May 24.

Held annually since 1970, the race combines the famous and daunting Nordschleife layout — nicknamed the “Green Hell” during its time hosting Formula 1 in the 1960s and 1970s — with the modern grand prix circuit to create a punishing 25km loop.

During the endurance event, Verstappen and his teammates will rotate behind the wheel in separate stints across the 24-hour race.

“The Nürburgring is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now,” Verstappen said in a statement.

“Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, which we won. That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our programme this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.”

Verstappen has recently voiced criticism of Formula 1’s new car and engine regulations and said during pre-season testing that he was keen to explore other forms of racing in search of fresh challenges and enjoyment away from the F1 grid.