Verstappen Not Racing at Nordschleife This Weekend

Despite a recent GT3 debut victory, Max Verstappen will not be returning to the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) this weekend. The F1 champion is taking a break after a demanding schedule, including six consecutive weekends of racing, which encompassed four F1 Grands Prix and two NLS rounds. He expressed a strong desire to compete in the Nordschleife 24-hour race in the future.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's foray into GT3 racing at the Nordschleife highlights his diverse passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1. While his absence this weekend is due to a packed F1 schedule, his ambition to tackle endurance racing, particularly the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours, signals a potential future direction for the champion and underscores the allure of the legendary 'Green Hell' for top drivers.

The Details:

• Two weeks ago, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, Verstappen made his GT3 debut at the Nordschleife, competing in an NLS round.
• He qualified third and immediately took the lead, driving a two-hour stint before his teammate Chris Lulham secured their first victory.
• This weekend marks the final, tenth round of the NLS season, but Verstappen confirmed he is "taking a break" from racing.
• Future Ambitions: Following his victory, Verstappen expressed a clear desire to return, stating, "We really want to race the 24-hour race, here at the Nordschleife. If that’s going to be next year, I don’t know yet. Of course we need more experience, so hopefully we can enter a few more NLS races next year."
• Demanding Schedule: At the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen explained his absence, noting, "I'm taking a bit of a break. After this weekend [in Singapore] I've done six weekends in a row, so it's quite a bit." This streak included four F1 Grands Prix and two NLS rounds since the Dutch Grand Prix.

What's next:

While Verstappen is prioritizing rest after an intense period, his commitment to future Nordschleife appearances, especially the 24-hour race, remains strong. Fans can anticipate more GT3 outings from the Dutchman as his F1 schedule permits and as he gains the necessary experience for the demanding endurance event. His return to the Nordschleife for more NLS races in the coming years will be closely watched.