– The Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) had specially adjusted its racing calendar so that Max Verstappen can compete in a preparatory race on the Nordschleife before his start in this year’s 24-hour race. The Red Bull driver had set this as a personal condition.
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Due to the cancellation of the Formula 1 races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, an unexpected gap suddenly opens up for the four-time world champion: he could compete in both the third NLS round (April 11) and the 24h Qualifiers (April 18 to 19).
But Verstappen has to dampen his fans’ hopes, at least partially. “No, NLS3 is not possible because my team [this weekend at the GT World Challenge Europe] is racing at Paul Ricard, so we can’t do that,” says the Dutchman.
However, a start in the 24h Qualifiers is quite possible: “At the moment, only Lucas Auer is in the car for the Qualifiers, so I would feel a bit bad for him if he had to do everything alone,” says the Red Bull driver with a smile.
Photo gallery: Max Verstappen on his way to the 24h Nürburgring 2026
“Because Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon can’t, it would make sense if I could do it.” In plain English: the final decision on another start for Verstappen is still officially pending, but participation is very likely.
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Verstappen wants to “drive in the rain a bit more”
And that makes sense, the Formula 1 driver thinks. “I’m constantly in talks,” Verstappen reveals, saying he is currently quite enthusiastic about his current GT3 project. “I still have many ideas I want to try out.”
“At the end of the day, it’s naturally about ensuring that all four drivers gain good experience and have a good feeling with the car. And ensuring that it runs well, that it’s reliable, all parts, and that we are well prepared for it.”
Should Verstappen actually return to the Nordschleife in April, he even has a wish: “I might need to drive in the rain a bit more, hopefully,” says the Red Bull star with a grin. “Also in the dark. So I hope to be able to get these things done before the 24-hour race.”
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