Mercedes‑Benz chief Ola Källenius and Toto Wolff have lodged a remarkable request with the organisers of the Nordschleife Langstrecken‑Serie (NLS). The pair are hoping a long‑distance race at the Nürburgring can be rescheduled so Max Verstappen gets the opportunity to take part. That way the Dutchman could prepare for a possible entry in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Speculation has been building for some time about an appearance by Max Verstappen in the legendary 24‑hour race. Mercedes want to see him on the grid in one of their cars, but the practical side is proving more complicated than they had hoped. At the so‑called season launch in Detroit, Verstappen made it clear he will only participate under strict conditions; for him, thorough preparation is essential — and that’s precisely where the problem lies right now.
Mercedes wants to change the NLS calendar
“If I take part, I want to prepare properly,” he told the media in Detroit. “All the preparatory races, however, clash with F1 weekends. Only if something changes there could I perhaps join.” For that reason Mercedes management is now actively seeking solutions. According to Motorsport‑Total, Ola Källenius and Toto Wolff have pressed the NLS organisation to postpone the season opener, which is scheduled for 14 March. That date coincides with the Chinese GP, making it impossible for Verstappen to combine both events.
NLS chief Mike Jager confirmed to the German outlet that there has been contact about a possible calendar change. “A request to possibly postpone has been submitted, but nothing more,” he said. A final decision, however, is not close. “We are exploring the options, but nothing has been decided. It has to be workable for everyone.”
It has long been known in the paddock that Verstappen of Red Bull has permission to take part in both the preparatory races and the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. It’s one of the reasons the four‑time world champion is currently inclined to stay with his present employer. Last year he was already allowed to make his NLS debut, right in the middle of the F1 season. In the Ferrari 296 GT3 he was immediately dominant on the Nordschleife.
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