Max Verstappen receives unexpected Mercedes S…read more
Max Verstappen has reportedly received unexpected backing from Mercedes as he pushes to fulfil a long-held ambition of competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, although significant logistical hurdles still stand in the way of his plan.
The Red Bull driver has openly stated that he hopes to race in the iconic twice-around-the-clock endurance event in 2026, a dream that reflects his growing interest in GT and endurance racing alongside his Formula 1 career. However, the timing of the race – and the requirements needed to qualify for it – have created a major complication.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is scheduled to take place on May 16–17, 2026, falling between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix on the F1 calendar. While that slot theoretically gives Verstappen enough time to take part, the real issue lies in the mandatory preparation races. Before being allowed to compete in the main event, drivers must complete at least one race in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), which serves as a feeder and qualification championship for the endurance classic.
At present, every NLS round scheduled ahead of the 24-hour race clashes directly with Formula 1 weekends. The season-opening NLS event, for example, is set to take place on March 14–15, the same weekend as the Chinese Grand Prix. With Verstappen fully committed to F1, these clashes make it virtually impossible for him to meet the eligibility criteria under the current calendar.
This is where Mercedes unexpectedly enters the picture. Verstappen’s GT3 programme is now partnered with Mercedes, placing him in an unusual position given his long-standing rivalry with the German manufacturer’s F1 team. According to a report from Motorsport Total, senior Mercedes figures have stepped in to explore potential solutions that could enable Verstappen’s participation.
The report claims that high-ranking Mercedes executives, including Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff, have contacted Nürburgring organisers to discuss the possibility of rescheduling one of the NLS races. A postponement or date change could, in theory, open a narrow window that would allow Verstappen to complete the required preparation without missing a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
While the move may seem surprising on the surface, it highlights Mercedes’ broader motorsport interests beyond F1, particularly in GT racing and endurance events. Verstappen’s involvement would undoubtedly raise the profile of the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the NLS series, offering commercial and promotional benefits for all parties involved.
However, no agreement has been reached so far. NLS boss Mike Jäger confirmed that the request has been formally received but stressed that discussions are still at a very early stage. Speaking to Motorsport Total, Jäger said: “The request for a possible postponement has been received, but that’s all for now. We are investigating the possibilities, but nothing has been decided yet. It has to work for everyone.”
That caveat is crucial. Any change to the NLS calendar would have knock-on effects for teams, drivers, broadcasters and fans, many of whom plan their seasons well in advance. Altering a race date to suit one driver, even a world champion of Verstappen’s stature, would require widespread agreement and careful coordination.
For now, Verstappen’s Nürburgring dream remains uncertain. While the backing of Mercedes adds unexpected momentum to his efforts, the final decision rests with the series organisers and whether a compromise can be found that satisfies all stakeholders. Until then, the reigning F1 star’s potential debut in one of endurance racing’s most demanding events hangs in the balance.
