Jonas Leo
Stuttgart, Germany – Mercedes-AMG has formally requested a calendar adjustment for the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) season opener, a strategic move aimed at facilitating reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen’s highly anticipated participation in the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours. The intricate logistical challenge, primarily a clash between the NLS schedule and Verstappen’s demanding Formula 1 commitments, has prompted high-level intervention from the German manufacturer, highlighting the significant commercial and sporting prestige associated with the Dutchman’s potential entry into one of endurance racing’s most formidable events.
Verstappen’s long-expressed desire to conquer the legendary Nordschleife in a top-tier GT3 car has gained substantial momentum following Winward Racing’s recent announcement. The team confirmed its intention to contest the Nürburgring 24 Hours as a Mercedes-AMG Performance Team, a development widely seen as a crucial piece in the puzzle for Verstappen’s proposed program. While Winward initially presented only a sister car, sources close to the project indicate that Verstappen’s involvement is now entering its decisive phase, contingent largely on the resolution of scheduling conflicts.
The primary hurdle for the four-time Formula 1 world champion lies in meeting the mandatory qualification requirements for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Drivers unfamiliar with the demanding 25.378-kilometer Nordschleife – often dubbed "The Green Hell" – must complete a specified number of laps and races in the NLS (formerly VLN) to obtain their "Permit Nordschleife". Currently, the NLS season opener, NLS1, is scheduled for March 14, a date that directly conflicts with the Chinese Grand Prix, an integral part of the Formula 1 calendar. Furthermore, all three initial NLS races and both pre-24 Hour qualifiers present similar calendar clashes with the ongoing Formula 1 championship.
In response to this intricate logistical dilemma, reports suggest that Mercedes-AMG is leveraging its influence at the highest echelons. Mercedes-Benz Group AG Chairman, Ola Källenius, and Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff, are understood to be actively involved in lobbying efforts. Their objective is to secure a postponement of the NLS season opener, thereby creating a window for Verstappen to complete the necessary preparatory race. The potential inclusion of a driver of Verstappen’s caliber is viewed by Mercedes as an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the performance and reliability of their Mercedes-AMG GT3 platform on a global stage, drawing immense international attention to both the brand and the endurance classic itself.
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Confirming the formal request, NLS series boss Mike Jäger stated, "The request for a possible postponement has now been submitted, but nothing more than that." Jäger’s remarks temper earlier speculation that a decision had already been made, underscoring the complexities involved in altering established racing calendars. Rescheduling a major endurance series event requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including the availability of the Nürburgring circuit, potential conflicts with other national and international racing series that may have pre-booked dates, and the logistical implications for participating teams, drivers, and support staff.
Should the postponement be approved, NLS1 would likely shift by one week to March 21. This revised date would position the race strategically between the Chinese and Japanese Formula 1 Grands Prix, offering Verstappen a narrow, yet feasible, window to compete. However, the notoriously unpredictable Eifel weather conditions in March remain a significant variable. "We are currently looking into this, but nothing has been decided yet," Jäger added, emphasizing the need for a solution that "has to suit everyone." The decision will involve intricate negotiations and compromises to accommodate the various stakeholders’ interests while prioritizing safety and fairness.
Beyond the calendar complexities, significant progress has been made on the operational front for Verstappen’s Nürburgring project. Having secured the crucial green light from not only Mercedes and the Red Bull Formula 1 team but also the overarching Red Bull parent company, the venture has substantial corporate backing. This broad approval signifies a rare collaboration across traditional competitive boundaries, underlining the unique appeal and strategic importance of Verstappen’s Nordschleife ambitions.
Verstappen is reportedly taking a hands-on approach to assembling his driving squad for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. His preference is said to be for a team of partners he personally selects. Among the likely candidates is Lucas Auer, the DTM runner-up who has established himself as one of Mercedes-AMG’s strongest factory drivers in recent seasons. Verstappen and Auer share a history, having competed against each other in the 2014 Formula 3 European Championship, where Verstappen finished third and Auer fourth, forging a familiar rivalry that could translate into strong on-track synergy.
Another strong contender for the team is sim racer Chris Lulham, with whom Verstappen has previously celebrated an NLS victory while driving an Emil Frey Ferrari. Lulham’s virtual and real-world racing expertise makes him an invaluable asset for navigating the nuances of the Nordschleife. Mercedes works driver Jules Gounon, who served as a reference driver during Verstappen’s AMG tests in Estoril, and veteran Daniel Juncadella are also understood to be integral to the plans. Juncadella, a former AMG driver and a close friend of Verstappen through their shared passion for sim racing, is particularly valued for his deep AMG expertise and his role as a trusted confidant. His future role in the 2026 World Endurance Championship with Genesis also highlights his diverse and high-level motorsport experience.
However, the team selection process has reportedly encountered a notable exclusion: Maro Engel. Despite the 40-year-old’s reputation as one of the fastest and most experienced drivers on the Nordschleife, Verstappen is believed to have vetoed his inclusion. This decision reportedly stems from a social media exchange following Verstappen’s initial Nürburgring test. Engel publicly claimed that Verstappen’s impressive lap times were achieved under a more favorable Balance of Performance (BoP) applied to DTM-specification cars, igniting a public dispute that has seemingly impacted their working relationship. Engel is currently slated to share his Winward Mercedes, adorned in a distinctive Ravenol livery, with fellow factory drivers Luca Stolz, Fabian Schiller, and Maxime Martin. In contrast, Verstappen’s potential entry would see his Mercedes-AMG GT3 compete under the colours of Verstappen.com Racing, with German confectionery giant Haribo also rumored as a potential sponsor, further amplifying the project’s commercial appeal.
Verstappen’s unwavering commitment to the Nürburgring project is evident in his recent rigorous testing schedule. The Formula 1 star dedicated two full days, Tuesday and Wednesday, to accumulating further mileage in a 2 Seas Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Portimao. This extensive testing provided him with crucial seat time and familiarity with the car, experiencing both wet and dry conditions that closely mimic the notoriously variable weather found in the Eifel region. His dedication was further underscored by the fact that he prioritized these tests even while being expected at Ford’s major Formula 1 launch event in Detroit on Thursday. This level of commitment from a current F1 world champion highlights the personal significance of the Nürburgring 24 Hours for Verstappen, demonstrating his deep-seated passion for endurance racing beyond the confines of single-seater competition.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is widely regarded as one of motorsport’s most gruelling and prestigious events, attracting top talent from various disciplines. Its unique challenge, encompassing the legendary Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit, demands exceptional skill, endurance, and strategic acumen from drivers and teams alike. For Verstappen, an opportunity to compete in such an event represents not just a personal challenge but also a significant crossover moment for global motorsport, potentially drawing new audiences to endurance racing and further cementing his status as one of the most versatile drivers of his generation. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the complex web of scheduling, approvals, and team dynamics can be successfully navigated to allow Max Verstappen to finally take on the "Green Hell."
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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