The Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) is adjusting its 2026 schedule to make it attainable for four-time Method 1 world champion Max Verstappen to race on the Nordschleife.
Whereas the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours on 14–17 Might doesn’t conflict with a F1 grand prix, the NLS preparation races initially did. Participation in no less than one of many NLS endurance races was not necessary for Verstappen, however it was thought of a private prerequisite for him to be prepared for the 24-hour basic.
In accordance with a report, Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius and motorsport boss Toto Wolff had personally campaigned to make Verstappen’s begin in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 attainable. Their efforts succeeded, with organiser VLN endeavor what it calls a “strategic calendar adjustment.”
Particularly, the second race of the NLS season, initially set for 28 March and due to this fact clashing with the Japanese Grand Prix, has been introduced ahead by one week. The brand new date, 21 March, now sits between the F1 races in China and Japan, permitting Verstappen to compete.
“The choice to maneuver an already fastened date was taken in intensive discussions with many stakeholders, weighing all pursuits — within the curiosity of motorsport,” defined NLS Director Mike Jager in a press release.
“We need to proceed to construct on the worldwide recognition that the NLS gained final yr by means of Max Verstappen’s participation, to the advantage of all groups and members.”
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Picture by: Erik Junius
In a separate assertion, the collection stated: “The VLN is shifting the second spherical of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) 2026 to March 21.
“Bringing the race ahead by one week takes benefit of an present hole within the Method 1 calendar, opening up participation to drivers from the premier class and different worldwide racing collection.
“This additionally goals to additional construct on the worldwide visibility that the NLS gained final yr by means of Max Verstappen’s participation, to the advantage of all groups and opponents. The beginning of the season on March 14, 2026, stays unchanged.”
To make the calendar change attainable, the Rundstrecken-Problem Nurburgring (RCN) agreed to swap its date with the NLS. The Nurburgring additionally authorised the change. Because of this, there may be now nothing standing in the best way of Verstappen’s begin within the Nurburgring 24 Hours, following an preliminary outing in one of many NLS rounds.
It’s thought of seemingly that the Dutchman will compete this yr within the Eifel area with Mercedes-AMG, and he has already accomplished his first checks within the AMG GT3.
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