Max Verstappen smiling - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen sheds light on what Nordschleife return 'depends on' in 2026

16:14, 02 Oct

Updated: 16:22, 02 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Max Verstappen had a superb weekend at the Nordschleife as the four-time Formula 1 world champion took victory. He revealed what a return to the track to do the 24-hour race in 2026 may be subject to.

"It depends on F1 first of all. I am suspecting, of course, that with the rules next year it's going to be very complicated to start with."

- Max Verstappen

The Red Bull driver was blisteringly fast during the four-hour event in the NLS series alongside his teammate Chris Lulham. Verstappen drove the first stint and led by over a minute by the halfway stage.

Verstappen explained in Singapore that Formula 1 may be slightly more complex next year with the new regulations. There are also some unknowns around the the GT3 program such as what car they will use.

He said: "It depends on a lot of things to be honest. It depends on F1 first of all. I am suspecting of course that with the rules next year it's going to be very complicated to start with and some unknowns anyway, right?

"So it probably will be a little bit more hectic than the end of a regulation where things are a bit more straightforward."

Max Verstappen speaking after winning the Azerbaijan GP - Photo: RacePictures

Verstappen added that he doesn't know how many races he can do in NLS next year but if there is a chance, the reigning world champion would like to return to the Nordschleife.

"Plus, also the programme of the GT3 team, which car we are going to race next year, stuff like that. So a lot of things still have to come together before I can really plan it well in advance for just my drivers already in the team, plus myself.

"So for sure we want to be back there I just don't know at the moment of course myself how much or how many races I can do next year. But if there is an opportunity and I feel good about it plus whatever is happening in F1 then for sure."

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Verstappen added that it was a good experience at the Nordschleife and real life isn't overly different to the simulator.

"It was a lot of fun. Been preparing for that, of course, for a while. And yeah, it's just two very nice days. Racing a bit in the wet and the dry, just getting more and more experience was nice. And then of course to win it, that's an extra bonus.

"But does it make me a better driver? I've been doing this already for so many years on the simulator, so for me doing it now in real life is not very different. But it definitely doesn't hurt, I think I can say that."

Last Saturday, GPblog reported from the track Verstappen isn't registered for the NLS race at the Green Hell next weekend. Verstappen confirmed he's having a break after six consecutive events. "I'm taking a bit of a break. After this weekend I've done six weekends in a row, so it's quite a bit."

Verstappen had some nervy moments at the Norschleife

Verstappen was forced to take to the grass in qualifying to avoid two slower cars ahead of him.

The Red Bull driver returned to the track, and he maintained a level head despite there being so little margin for error on the narrow circuit.

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