Helmut Marko Greenlights Max Verstappen for Nurburgring 24 Hours, Blocks Le Mans Bid

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will be permitted to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, following the F1 champion's recent test outing at the iconic track. This decision comes after Verstappen, a four-time F1 world champion, completed a special Porsche Cayman test to secure the necessary license to race on the demanding Nordschleife circuit.

Why it matters:

• This marks a significant move for Verstappen, who has expressed a long-standing interest in endurance racing, particularly at the Nurburgring. It allows one of F1's biggest stars to diversify his racing activities and engage with fans in a different motorsport discipline.
• Marko's approval for the Nurburgring contrasts sharply with his firm stance against Verstappen participating in the more perilous Le Mans 24 Hours, highlighting Red Bull's careful management of their star driver's extracurricular activities.

The Details:

• Nurburgring Approval: Marko explicitly told Sport.De, "Yes," when asked if Verstappen could compete in the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours. The race is scheduled to take place between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix in May 2026.
• License Acquisition: Verstappen earned his Nordschleife license after piloting a Porsche Cayman last weekend, immediately following the Italian GP. This was a prerequisite for competing in the endurance race.
• Marko's Comments on Licensing: Marko expressed amusement, yet frustration, over the German licensing procedure, which required an F1 world champion to prove his capability on the track with a 240bhp Porsche. He noted Verstappen's extensive simulator preparation: "This German procedure, which a four-time world champion has to prove that he can drive around the ring with a 240bhp Porsche, is unique... But he took it all on himself, although he must have already shot 1000 laps in the simulator around the Nürburgring. So he didn't come unprepared."
• Le Mans Rejection: Despite the Nurburgring approval, Marko drew a firm line at the Le Mans 24 Hours. He stated, "Le Mans is not in the program. Le Mans is a different story. The speed differences and the different categories are even bigger. For the time being, long distance is only the Nurburgring."

What's next:

Verstappen's participation in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026 will undoubtedly be a major draw for endurance racing enthusiasts and F1 fans alike. While his ambitions for Le Mans are on hold, his Nurburgring debut will offer a unique opportunity to see him compete in a different environment, showcasing his versatility and passion beyond Formula 1.