F1 Today | Verstappen to race in Nurburgring 24h, Ecclestone 'agrees' with Hamilton

Max Verstappen. Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
As always, let’s take a look at the two main Formula 1 stories from today, Wednesday, September 17.
Verstappen set to participate in Nurburgring 24h in 2026
Last weekend, the Dutch driver visited the historic Nordschleife circuit with the goal of obtaining the A permit, which qualifies him to race in the GT3 class and, most notably, the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring—a goal he has long pursued.
The four-time world champion impressed not only with his speed but also with his ability to adapt to a completely different category and cars from those he normally drives, even though he has spent years training on simulators with GT cars and previously had the opportunity to drive the Ferrari 296 of the Emily Frey Racing team a few months ago, setting an unofficial lap record.
Verstappen completed the 14 laps required by regulations without incident, although he was unable to complete the additional seven laps in car 89 due to a technical issue. Despite this, the commission ultimately granted the Dutchman his license.
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In a recent interview with Sport.de, Helmut Marko confirmed that Verstappen will be able to participate next year, as the event does not conflict with the Formula 1 calendar.

Max Verstappen - Photo: Race Pictures
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Ecclestone 'agrees' with Hamilton's 'I'm useless' claim
The former F1 Supremo, believes Ferrari partnering Lewis Hamilton's most embarrasing aspect is the fact the Briton can't "deliver" what the Italians thought he would.
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Lewis Hamilton’s debut season at Ferrari has been far from impressive, with Bernie Ecclestone even describing the partnership as “embarrassing.”
This isn’t the first time Ecclestone has been critical of Hamilton’s stint with the Scuderia; he has previously suggested that Ferrari should consider replacing the Briton. Now, he appears to agree with Hamilton’s own post-Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying remark, in which the seven-time champion called himself “useless.”
Reiterating his view on Hamilton’s future in Formula 1, Ecclestone once again suggested that the driver might be better off stepping away from the sport.

Lewis Hamilton in Monza - Photo: Race Pictures
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