Mercedes‑AMG Shifts Nürburgring 24‑Hour Prep Dates for Max Verstappen
Summary
Mercedes‑AMG persuaded the Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie to move its 24‑Hour prep races so Max Verstappen can compete, citing his YouTube draw that boosts viewership by up to 750 000 and the driver’s growing GT3 ambitions.
Mercedes‑AMG, together with the NLS organisers, persuaded the Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie to shift the preparatory races for the 24‑Hour event so that four‑time champion Max Verstappen could take part. Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed the change in Bahrain, saying the driver’s YouTube draw makes the move a no‑brainer for the series.
Why it matters:
- Verstappen’s brand brings a 100‑fold surge in YouTube streams for NLS events, turning a niche endurance series into a global showcase.
- The calendar tweak highlights Mercedes’ strategy to cross‑promote its F1 and GT3 efforts, reinforcing the link between single‑seater success and endurance racing.
By the numbers:
- Typical NLS livestreams attract roughly 10 000 viewers; with Verstappen on the grid the figures jump to around 750 000.
- Verstappen won his GT3 debut in the 2025 NLS season, instantly raising the series’ profile.
What’s next:
- Verstappen said his 2026 GT3 calendar will hinge on the complexity of next‑year F1 regulations and the choice of car his team will run.
- Mercedes may continue to leverage calendar adjustments to keep the driver in high‑visibility endurance events.
Original Article :https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toto-wolff-reveals-mercedes-amg-influence-on-...