Max Verstappen's Nurburgring GT3 Race Timetable

Max Verstappen shifts gears from Formula 1 to endurance racing this weekend, competing in a four-hour NLS championship event at the Nürburgring. The Red Bull star is using the race as a crucial test session alongside teammates in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, all in preparation for the grueling 24-hour race at the circuit in May.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's participation highlights the growing trend of F1 drivers seeking competitive racing outside their primary championship to stay sharp and explore different disciplines. His commitment to the 24-hour race project demonstrates a serious approach to endurance racing, bringing significant mainstream attention to the Nürburgring's iconic events.

The details:

• The Team & Car: Verstappen will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the same team he will race with in the 24 Hours, joining regular drivers Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Dani Juncadella.
• The Event: This is Round 2 of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), formerly known as the VLN, a championship that serves as the primary proving ground for the 24-hour race.
• The Schedule: Track action begins on Saturday, April 6th, with qualifying at 08:30 local time (CEST). The four-hour race itself starts at 12:00 local time.
• The Objective: The primary goal is not outright victory but accumulating valuable seat time and data on the Nordschleife circuit, one of the world's most demanding tracks, to build synergy with the car and his co-drivers for the main event in May.

What's next:

All efforts are focused on the ADAC Total 24h-Rennen, the famous Nürburgring 24 Hours, scheduled for June 1-2. This weekend's race is a key step in the preparation cycle, allowing the team to test race setups, driver changes, and reliability in a competitive environment. Verstappen's performance and feedback will be closely watched as an indicator of the team's potential for the marathon event.