Door Opens for Verstappen Nürburgring 24 Hours Bid

A key scheduling obstacle preventing Max Verstappen from competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours has been removed, following a calendar change that avoids a direct clash with Formula 1 commitments.

Until now, all Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) rounds required as mandatory preparation races had conflicted with Formula 1 race weekends. That overlap effectively ruled out Verstappen’s participation, despite his long-standing interest in the iconic endurance event.

Verstappen’s ambition to race at the Nürburgring has already moved beyond theory. Last season, the Red Bull Racing driver made his first official competitive appearance at the circuit, winning a four-hour race alongside team-mate Chris Lulham. The result strengthened his desire to target the full 24-hour race.

However, entry regulations for the Nürburgring 24 Hours require drivers to complete at least one NLS race as preparation. All of those events were initially scheduled on Formula 1 weekends, creating an unavoidable conflict within Verstappen’s tightly packed calendar.

That situation has now changed following a schedule revision by NLS organisers. The second NLS round has been moved forward by one week and will now take place between the Formula 1 Grands Prix in China and Japan. The adjustment creates a rare gap in the Formula 1 calendar, offering Verstappen a realistic opportunity to compete.

As a result, Verstappen could now enter the required preparation race ahead of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, which is scheduled for May 16–17. Any final decision will still depend on Formula 1 priorities, physical demands, and logistical considerations, but the structural barrier has been removed.

Explaining the decision, NLS organisers emphasised the strategic intent behind the calendar change, linking it directly to the international racing landscape.

“We are shifting gears for the sport and our region,” a statement from Nürburgring NLS said.

The organisers confirmed that the revised date was chosen specifically to align with Formula 1’s global schedule and attract higher-profile participation.

“To maximise international participation, NLS2 has been moved forward to March 21. This adjustment leverages a gap in the Formula 1 calendar between the Grands Prix in China and Japan.”

The statement underlined the broader objectives of the move, beyond any single driver’s involvement.

“By aligning with the international racing schedule, we enable top-tier drivers to compete in the NLS. This move increases our global reach to the benefit of all teams, participants, and the entire Nürburgring region.”

For Verstappen, the revised schedule represents a tangible step toward fulfilling a long-held ambition in endurance racing. Should he take part, a Nürburgring 24 Hours entry would add a significant new chapter to his career, highlighting his willingness to explore elite competition beyond Formula 1 while balancing the demands of a world championship campaign.