Toto Wolff heard from complaining rivals

Photo: Race Pictures

'Verstappen driving a Mercedes is something we enjoy'

17:01, 14 Feb

Updated: 18:18, 14 Feb

byTobia Elia

Toto Wolff explained how much influence Mercedes had in pushing the NLS organisers to adjust the calendar, allowing Max Verstappen’s appearance to avoid clashing with the F1 schedule.

“I think it's great for the Nurburgring 24 hours, for the fans to have Max there. And obviously him driving a Mercedes is something we enjoy”

- Toto Wolff

Wolff details Mercedes involvement in NLS tweak for Verstappen

Speaking to GPblog and other media in Bahrain, the team principal said he had no direct influence on the decision, stressing instead that it was the result of AMG working alongside the organisers to ensure the entire series would benefit.

“It wasn't me personally. It was AMG together with the NLS organizers. It's an obvious benefit for all the participants and for the series. I don't know the figures I heard, I can't remember them, but between a normal NLS round, like 100 times more spectators on YouTube than with Max participating than otherwise. It was like 10,000 to 750,000 or something crazy.

He also took the opportunity to give a light-hearted nod to the four-time world champion, noting how enjoyable it is to see him behind the wheel of a Mercedes: “It's a no-brainer to change it. And I think it's great for the Nurburgring 24 hours, for the fans to have Max there, and obviously him driving a Mercedes is something we enjoy.”

Is Toto Wolff deliberately trying to draw attention to Red Bull?

Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen's Nurburgring instructor would welcome the F1 champion back

As previously outlined, the NLS calendar has been adjusted in a move that significantly boosts Verstappen’s hopes of lining up for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The second round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie has been brought forward by one weekend, removing its clash with the Japanese Grand Prix and clearing a potential path for the Dutchman’s ambitious target.

Andreas Gulden, who oversaw the Red Bull Racing driver’s training while he was securing his DMSB Nordschleife Permit, admitted he would be more than happy to see the four-time Formula 1 world champion back out on track once again.

Read the full story here.