Key schedule change boosts Verstappen’s Nurburgring 24h hopes
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Updated:
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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.
Max Verstappen’s potential entry into the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours has taken a significant step forward following a recent crucial development.
The Dutchman’s presence at the iconic endurance race on the famous Green Hell is conditional on him competing in at least one event beforehand.
The main obstacle has been that, until now, every round on the schedule has clashed with the Formula 1 calendar — such as NLS1 on 14 March, which coincides with the Chinese Grand Prix, or NLS2 on 28 March, which runs alongside the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
While all attempts to reschedule the opening round proved unsuccessful, it is the second race where a solution appears to have been found — one that would allow the four-time world champion to take part without clashing with his Formula 1 commitments.
Max Verstappen - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
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“The start of the 2026 season of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) will be slightly delayed. The first RCN event will now take place on Saturday, 28 March 2026, following a change of date," NLS organisers said in a statement.
"The RCN responded to the wishes of the ADAC Ravenol Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) and the ADAC, which had revised their season schedule at short notice."
This change would allow Verstappen to take part in NLS2 on 21 March with the Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG, potentially teaming up with Lucas Auer for the occasion.
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