F1 LIVE | Verstappen hints at near-term Nordschleife return after shocking DSQ

The Nürburgring will host the next round of the NLS on April 11, with the 57th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy set to run over four hours on the Nordschleife.

Originally, the event was due to overlap with the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, but both that race and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have been called off for the time being amid rising tensions in the Middle East, effectively opening up a gap in the Formula 1 calendar.

That window has naturally sparked questions about a potential return for Verstappen, who was asked about the possibility of being back at the Nürburgring in three weeks’ time following the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Dutchman stopped short of giving a definitive answer, explaining that plans are still being evaluated and will depend on practical considerations, while making it clear he would be more than happy to race there again.

Christopher Haase reflected positively on his on-track duel with Max Verstappen during the ADAC Barbarossapreis, highlighting the intensity and enjoyment of their fight at the front.

The German Audi driver was able to move ahead of the #3 Mercedes on the opening lap, despite Verstappen initially holding the lead through Turn 1, setting the tone for a closely fought opening phase between the two.

Throughout the first stint, Verstappen remained firmly in contention, applying sustained pressure but initially unable to find a way past, before eventually making the decisive move on the straight by capitalising on the slipstream of the #16 Audi and heading into the pits for the driver change back in the lead.

Speaking after stepping out of the car mid-race, Haase described the battle as one of the most enjoyable he has experienced in a long time, pointing to how evenly matched the two were, with the advantage swinging back and forth and producing what he called truly exciting racing.