Max Verstappen eyes quick Nordschleife return after dominant NLS2 victory

Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory at the Nürburgring Nordschleife on Saturday and immediately hinted at a potential return for the next round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) in just three weeks. The reigning F1 champion, sharing the #1 BMW M4 GT3 with Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, used the event as crucial preparation for May's 24-hour race, but a sudden opening in his schedule could see him back at the iconic track sooner than planned.

Why it matters:

For a driver of Verstappen's caliber, any non-F1 racing provides valuable seat time and a mental refresh, but competing on the daunting 25km Nordschleife carries unique prestige and risk. His continued participation highlights a deep personal passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1 and serves as a major draw for the NLS series, boosting its profile significantly. Furthermore, extra track time is invaluable for his primary goal: challenging for victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May.

The details:

• Verstappen and his teammates won the four-hour NLS2 race by a margin of nearly one minute, with the Dutchman driving both the opening and closing stints.
• His first stint featured a fierce battle with the #16 Audi, while his final run was a more controlled drive to secure the win.
• The original plan was to use this race solely as a test session for the 24-hour event, but the subsequent cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix has freed his schedule for the NLS3 round on April 11.
• When asked about participating in NLS3, Verstappen stated, "We're looking into it, it depends if it is feasible. But I'm always happy to race here."
• He emphasized the weekend was about "getting to grips with the car around the Nordschleife," praising his team's preparation and noting that extensive prior simulator work was crucial for learning the treacherous circuit.

What's next:

A final decision on Verstappen's participation in the April 11 NLS3 event is pending, based on logistical feasibility. Regardless of that decision, his dominant performance signals that he and the BMW team will be among the favorites for the main event: the 24 Hours of Nürburgring on May 17-18. His ongoing commitment underscores a long-term project to conquer one of motorsport's toughest challenges, blending his F1 expertise with endurance racing discipline.