Norris keeping a close eye on Verstappen’s Nürburgring challenge

Reigning F1 world champion Lando Norris will be among the most intrigued observers this weekend as Max Verstappen takes on the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The McLaren driver has openly admitted he plans to follow every moment he can of his rival's latest endurance adventure, after recently sampling the daunting Nordschleife in a McLaren 750S.

Why it matters:

The bond between Formula 1 and endurance racing continues to strengthen, with top drivers like Norris and Antonelli showing genuine passion for GT competition. Verstappen's high-profile entry into the Nürburgring 24 Hours highlights the cross-series appeal and the unique challenge of the Nordschleife.

The details:

• Norris drove the Nordschleife in a McLaren 750S during a test last month, calling it "the most fun I've had all year." He had previously only driven the circuit virtually on Gran Turismo and iRacing.
• He plans to watch as much of the 24-hour race as possible, especially to spot Verstappen: "He's a guy that I respect a lot. I've enjoyed watching him and Christopher Haase racing the last few weeks."
• Kimi Antonelli has also expressed ambition to tackle the Nordschleife in endurance racing, even hinting at a future collaboration with Verstappen: "I would love to do an endurance race with Max together."
• Antonelli has already requested a test at the Nordschleife, citing his passion for GTs inherited from his father's GT team.

Looking ahead:

For now, Verstappen's debut in the Nürburgring 24 Hours takes center stage, with F1 peers like Norris and Antonelli watching closely. Antonelli's long-term dream of teaming up with Verstappen adds an intriguing storyline for the future of cross-series racing.