Verstappen Pushes for F1 Calendar Space for Nürburgring

Max Verstappen hopes the 2027 Formula 1 calendar will leave room for him to return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours after his debut appearance this year ended in disappointment due to technical failure. The four-time world champion believes it would be a “logical” move if Formula 1 schedules allowed active drivers to participate in the iconic endurance event.

Verstappen made his Nürburgring 24 Hours debut alongside GT3 team-mates Jules Gounon, Lucas Auer, and Dani Juncadella. The quartet appeared on course to challenge for victory at the Nordschleife before a driveshaft failure destroyed their chances and dropped the team to 38th position.

The result left Verstappen with unfinished business at one of motorsport’s most demanding and legendary circuits. With a layout exceeding 25 kilometres, extreme elevation changes, and highly unpredictable weather conditions, the Nürburgring 24 Hours remains one of the toughest endurance races in modern motorsport.

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The Nürburgring organisers have already confirmed that the 2027 edition will take place on May 29 and 30. Early indications suggest there will be no direct clash with the Formula 1 calendar, although the FIA has yet to officially publish the 2027 schedule.

Verstappen admitted that competing successfully at the Nürburgring has always been part of a longer-term objective and made clear he is eager to return for another attempt.

“Yes, absolutely. That was always the goal,” Verstappen told Viaplay.

“This is just the beginning. It would have been nice if we had won that race straight away because the chance was very big.”

Verstappen’s involvement in GT and endurance racing has continued to grow beyond his Formula 1 commitments in recent years. Alongside extensive simulator activity and personal GT3 projects, the Red Bull Racing driver has increasingly spoken openly about his long-term interest in endurance competition beyond Formula 1.

When asked whether he had enough influence to shape the Formula 1 calendar in his favour and avoid a Nürburgring clash, Verstappen responded cautiously. Nevertheless, he suggested such coordination would make sense for modern motorsport.

“Not power, but I think it would be nice and logical if that were possible,” he said.

Verstappen also stressed there is currently no certainty regarding his participation next year because the final decision depends heavily on how the FIA and Formula 1 structure the 2027 calendar.

“Well, we’ll see. I don’t know,” Verstappen added.

Verstappen’s desire to return to the Nürburgring highlights how modern Formula 1 drivers are increasingly expanding their competitive activities into GT and endurance racing. If Formula 1 eventually allows greater calendar flexibility in future seasons, participation from top-level F1 drivers in legendary endurance races such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours could become a growing trend in modern motorsport.