Max Verstappen has repeatedly hinted that he hopes to take part in this year’s 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. Last year the four-time F1 world champion made his debut in the NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie), immediately claiming his first win on The Green Hell. Verstappen does, however, insist on being given the opportunity to prepare properly for the 24‑hour race. The NLS organisers have moved to accommodate him and are adjusting the calendar.
There has long been speculation about Max Verstappen entering the legendary 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. At the so-called season launch in Detroit he made clear he will only compete under strict conditions. Thorough preparation is essential for him, and that is exactly where the problem lies: every NLS race held before the 24 Hours currently clashes with a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.
The organisers initially explored shifting the NLS season opener, which conflicts with the Chinese GP. That option proved unfeasible, despite pressure from Mercedes’ top brass; the Silberpfeile want Verstappen on the grid in one of their cars. Attention therefore turned to the second NLS round, originally slated for the Japanese GP weekend. This past week the German series’ organisers met to discuss the possible calendar change.
Calendar change
It appears a solution has been found. The second NLS race has been moved to the weekend of 21 March, a date when Verstappen has no Formula 1 commitments. The event naturally benefits from the Dutchman’s presence; last year genuine Max Mania erupted when the four‑time world champion showed up at the Nürburgring. “The decision to move an already confirmed date was taken after intensive consultation with all stakeholders,” says NLS director Mike Jager. “We want to build on the global recognition the NLS gained last year thanks to Max Verstappen’s participation, for the benefit of all teams and competitors.”
It has long been known in the paddock that Verstappen has permission from Red Bull to take part in both the preparatory races and the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. It is one of the reasons the four‑time world champion is, for now, inclined to stay with his current employer. Last year he was allowed to make his NLS debut in the middle of the F1 season. In the Ferrari 296 GT3 he was immediately dominant on the Nordschleife.
