Mercedes submit Max Verstappen request as Helmut Marko confirms rival S…read more
Mercedes have reportedly taken an unusual step ahead of the 2026 season by submitting a request to reschedule the opening round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), a move that could allow Max Verstappen to compete despite his ongoing Formula 1 commitments with Red Bull.
According to reports circulating in European motorsport media, the German manufacturer has formally asked for the first NLS event of the year to be postponed to avoid a direct clash with the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix. The request is said to be linked to Verstappen’s potential participation in endurance racing at the Nürburgring, specifically through a Mercedes-AMG-backed entry.
While Verstappen is contracted to contest a full Formula 1 calendar with Red Bull in 2026, including a projected 24-race season, the reigning world champion has never hidden his desire to expand his racing portfolio beyond single-seaters. In recent years, the Dutchman has repeatedly expressed interest in endurance racing and has already gained experience at the Nürburgring Nordschleife through testing and simulated events.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours, one of the most demanding endurance races in the world, has long been on Verstappen’s personal motorsport wishlist. Reports now suggest that plans are being actively explored for him to compete in the event via Mercedes-AMG machinery, potentially marking a high-profile crossover between Formula 1’s biggest star and GT endurance racing.
Mercedes’ request to the NLS organisers is believed to centre on the opening round of the championship, which traditionally takes place early in the season and serves as vital preparation for teams targeting the Nürburgring 24 Hours later in the year. That event is currently scheduled to coincide with the Chinese Grand Prix, making it impossible for Verstappen to attend without missing his Formula 1 duties.
Although Verstappen would still race for Red Bull in Shanghai, his participation in the Nürburgring event would require cooperation across teams and organisers, highlighting the growing complexity of modern motorsport calendars. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Verstappen has no formal ties to Mercedes in Formula 1, despite his reported involvement with Mercedes-AMG in endurance racing.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior motorsport advisor, has since addressed the situation, appearing to confirm that Verstappen’s Nürburgring ambitions are being taken seriously. While Marko stopped short of revealing full details, he acknowledged that Verstappen is determined to pursue racing opportunities outside Formula 1 where possible, provided they do not interfere with his commitments to Red Bull.
Marko has previously stated that Red Bull supports Verstappen’s passion for racing, but only within carefully managed boundaries. Any participation in endurance events would need to be approved and structured in a way that does not compromise the team’s F1 campaign.
For Mercedes-AMG, the prospect of fielding Verstappen at the Nürburgring represents a significant marketing and sporting opportunity. His involvement would bring unprecedented attention to the NLS and the Nürburgring 24 Hours, while also reinforcing Mercedes’ presence in global GT racing.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the NLS organisers regarding whether the calendar change request will be approved. However, the reports underline the increasing crossover between elite racing categories and the growing willingness of manufacturers to accommodate star drivers across multiple disciplines.
If the request is accepted, Verstappen’s appearance at the Nürburgring in 2026 could become one of the most talked-about motorsport stories of the season — even before the Formula 1 championship gets fully underway.
