Photo: Race Pictures

The handbrake preventing Max Verstappen from competing in this famous 24-hour race

13:30, 16 Feb

Updated: 13:48, 16 Feb

byNicole Mulder

Max Verstappen confirmed in Bahrain that he is working on the final details of his participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, which has come within reach thanks to the rescheduling of the NLS2 race.

During Red Bull Racing’s launch in Detroit, GPblog asked Verstappen whether he already knew if he would take part in the 24-hour race on the Nordschleife.

At the time, he hedged his answer because he first wanted to drive a preparatory NLS race, which wasn’t possible due to a clash with the Formula 1 calendar. In the meantime, NLS2 has been brought forward by a week, allowing Verstappen to take part.

“For me too, in a new car in which I haven’t driven there on the Nordschleife yet, I need a race to learn the procedures”

- Max Verstappen

Asked again in Bahrain by GPblog whether he can now give a definitive answer about his participation, he first circles back to the 2026 F1 cars he criticised.“I mean, if you look at it now, at least there I can just go flat out without having to worry about my battery,” he laughs, referring to his earlier criticism. “I want to do it, we’re working to make it possible, but I can’t confirm it yet.”

Even Verstappen has to practice

The Dutchman in any case expresses his appreciation for the calendar change. “It’s great of the organizers to have adjusted the date. Because if I do it, I need a race to prepare, especially compared to the guys who’ve been doing it longer and have more experience,” he explains.

Max Verstappen is working on the final details for his participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring - Photo: RacePictures

Verstappen already obtained the required Nordschleife license in 2025 and immediately took a victory on his GT3 debut in the Nürburgring Endurance Series together with teammate Chris Lulham. Nevertheless, he does not underestimate the challenge and is taking his preparations extremely seriously: he wants to have practiced everything at least once in real conditions.

“For me too, in a new car in which I haven’t driven there on the Nordschleife yet, I need a race to learn the procedures,” he continues. “Doing a pit stop myself, a driver change — I don’t normally do that. So I want to prepare all those little things properly before I possibly take part in the 24-hour race.”

Verstappen working on final details for Nürburgring entry

When asked by this site what his participation still depends on, Verstappen says it mainly comes down to organizational details. “Details with the car, the lineup, sponsors. As long as that all comes together, I’d love to take part. But as soon as I know, I’ll announce it,” the four-time world champion concludes.

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is scheduled in 2026 on a weekend without a Formula 1 race, making participation logistically possible for Verstappen. With NLS2 brought forward, it has also become possible for the Red Bull driver to run a preparatory race. Whether Verstappen actually lines up for the 24 Hours now depends only on the final organizational and commercial details.