Max Verstappen's 24-Hour Path Clears: Nurburgring Moves Dates, Opens Door For Red Bull Ace

Max Verstappen’s long-teased Nürburgring dream just took a major step toward reality.

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) has reshuffled its 2026 calendar, removing the biggest obstacle that has kept the four-time Formula 1 world champion from racing on the Nordschleife — a packed F1 schedule.

Until now, every NLS preparation race required ahead of the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours clashed with a Formula 1 weekend. While the 24-hour race itself (14–17 May) doesn’t overlap with a grand prix, Verstappen has always insisted on proper race prep before tackling the “Green Hell.”

That’s now possible.

The breakthrough comes courtesy of a “strategic calendar adjustment” by organiser VLN. The second NLS round, originally scheduled for 28 March — and

clashing with the Japanese Grand Prix — has been brought forward by a week to 21 March.

That new date neatly slots between the F1 races in China and Japan, freeing Verstappen to race.

NLS director Mike Jager admitted the move wasn’t taken lightly.

“The decision to move an already fixed date was taken in intensive discussions with many stakeholders,” he said. “We weighed all interests, in the interest of motorsport.”

Behind the scenes, Verstappen’s potential appearance has been a major draw. Mercedes-Benz chairman Ola Kallenius and motorsport boss Toto Wolff reportedly pushed hard to make a Verstappen start in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 possible.

That spotlight was already on full display last year. Verstappen made his official Nordschleife racing debut alongside British driver Chris Lulham, winning a four-hour endurance race by 24 seconds and setting the fastest lap for good measure. He also secured his A-licence, a key step toward 24-hour eligibility.

Still, Verstappen remains cautious.

“Of course, I would really like to compete in the 24 Hours at some point,” he said last year. “But we still need more experience.”

Verstappen will return to F1 action at this week’s private pre-season test in Barcelona, with the 2026 season kicking off at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.