Mercedes Backs Verstappen's Nürburgring 24 Hours Bid with Schedule Request

Max Verstappen's ambition to compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours has hit a scheduling wall, but Mercedes might have a solution. With Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) rounds clashing with the Formula 1 calendar, Mercedes executives have reportedly requested a date shift to allow the Red Bull driver to participate.

Why it matters:

Verstappen entering the iconic endurance race would be a massive spectacle, drawing significant global attention to GT racing. The situation is particularly intriguing given Mercedes is lobbying for a rival team's driver, emphasizing the strength of their customer racing relationship and Verstappen's status as a generational motorsport talent.

The details:

• The 24-hour event sits between the Miami and Canadian GPs in May, but regulations require Verstappen to complete a prior NLS race for eligibility.
• Every NLS round currently overlaps with the F1 calendar, starting with the season opener clashing with the Chinese GP in March.
• Mercedes Support: As Verstappen's GT3 team partners with Mercedes, CEO Ola Källenius and Toto Wolff have reportedly contacted Nürburgring officials.
• They are seeking a postponement of NLS events to accommodate Verstappen's F1 schedule.
• NLS chief Mike Jäger confirmed receiving the request but emphasized that any change must work for all stakeholders before being implemented.

What's next:

Organizers are currently weighing the feasibility of altering the established calendar. If a compromise is reached, the 2026 season could see Verstappen adding a major endurance racing achievement to his legacy.