Verstappen casts doubt on 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours entry

Max Verstappen has cast significant doubt on his participation in the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The Red Bull driver revealed that scheduling conflicts between Formula One and necessary preparation races make a debut unlikely at this stage.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s presence at the iconic Nordschleife would be a major event for motorsport, drawing global attention to the endurance series. His insistence on proper preparation highlights the immense challenge of the track, even for a driver of his caliber, and underscores the difficulty of balancing F1 commitments with other racing disciplines.

The details:

• Scheduling Conflict: Verstappen noted that the Nürburgring Langstrecke Series (NLS) events, crucial for preparation, currently clash with the Grand Prix calendar.
• Preparation Focus: "If I do it, I want to prepare well. And all the prep races are clashing with Formula One," Verstappen told GPblog.
• Past Performance: Despite the hurdles, Verstappen has proven his capability on the track, winning a four-hour race there in 2025 on his first attempt in the top class.
• Potential Shift: Organizers have indicated they may adjust the NLS calendar, a move that could resolve the conflict and open the door for the Dutchman.

What's next:

While the 2026 outlook is dim, a calendar shuffle by NLS organizers could change the equation. Fans will have to wait to see if the logistical hurdles can be cleared to see Verstappen tackle the Green Hell.