While Formula 1 sits idle this month, Max Verstappen isn’t waiting around, the Dutchman heading to the Nordschleife in two weeks to take part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours Qualifiers on April 18-19.
With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix wiped off the calendar due to the ongoing Iran conflict, Verstappen has seized the unexpected gap to sharpen his GT3 skills at the 25.378km “Green Hell,” where even seasoned endurance racers tread carefully.
The event format is as brutal as the venue: two four-hour races across Saturday evening and Sunday, each demanding precision, stamina, and nerve. Verstappen will share driving duties at the wheel of Mercedes-AMG GT3 machine with Lucas Auer, marking their first outing together as teammates.
Crucially, the timing of Saturday’s race opens the door for something Verstappen has long craved—racing the Nordschleife in the dark. With sunset around 8:30pm, the latter stages will plunge drivers into low-visibility chaos, a key box Verstappen wants to tick before tackling the full 24-hour race at the end of May.
The four-time F1 world champion has been steadily building experience at the circuit, already checking off another milestone by driving in wet conditions – something he recently achieved this week during a return to the track just days after the Japanese Grand Prix.
Testing, teasing… and sending a message
That return wasn’t low-key, as Verstappen logged valuable mileage during a private test and filming day, with footage quickly spreading online. A pit stop at the iconic Döttinger Höhe fuel station – effectively a fan pilgrimage site – only added to the buzz.
His verdict? Short, sharp, and telling: “Fast on the Nordschleife. Really enjoyed it out there.”
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In isolation, it sounds like a driver having fun. In context – amid his growing criticism of Formula 1’s upcoming 2026 machinery – it carries a sharper edge. Verstappen, it seems, is reminding the paddock that real driving challenges still exist beyond the grand prix grid.
This outing is also about preparation. With regular co-drivers Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella tied up with World Endurance Championship duties in Imola, Verstappen’s partnership with Auer ensures he continues rotating through teammates ahead of a full Nürburgring 24 Hours assault.
For now, though, the focus is simple: stay sharp, stay racing, and embrace the chaos. Because while Formula 1 pauses, Verstappen isn’t slowing down – he’s just found a wilder stage.
Read also: Brundle drops his sharp verdict on Verstappen retirement talk
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