This weekend, Max Verstappen will swap Formula 1 frustration for one of motorsport’s most unforgiving challenges as he prepares to take on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. His entry into the NLS2 race is no publicity stunt or casual outing; it is a calculated step towards a much bigger ambition: competing in the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring later this year.
For a driver who has already conquered Formula 1, this move highlights something deeper. Verstappen is not just chasing titles; he is chasing the essence of racing itself.
A calculated step towards endurance racing
Verstappen’s participation in the NLS event is all about preparation. The Nürburgring Nordschleife is widely regarded as one of the most demanding circuits in the world, so jumping straight into a 24-hour race without prior experience would be a significant gamble, even for a driver of his calibre.
This is why this weekend’s four-hour race is so important. It gives him a vital chance to adapt to the particular demands of endurance racing, such as sharing a car, navigating traffic across different classes and maintaining consistency over extended periods.
He is not going into this challenge alone, though. He has assembled a formidable driver line-up featuring Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella, three highly experienced GT racers. Together, they will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3, supported by Mercedes’ factory programme.
Verstappen’s intentions are clear: he is not just entering to participate, he is aiming to compete at the front.
Red Bull’s approval was easily granted
Given the risks associated with racing on the Nordschleife, Verstappen’s decision may have raised a few eyebrows within Red Bull. The circuit’s reputation for danger is well established, and allowing a star Formula 1 driver to compete there mid-season is far from routine.
However, according to team principal Laurent Mekies, there was no need for persuasion.
Speaking at the FIA press conference in China, Mekies stated that Verstappen’s enthusiasm alone was sufficient justification for the decision. Spend just a few minutes discussing racing with Verstappen, Mekies suggested, and his passion becomes obvious, it is genuine and all-consuming.
Rather than viewing the Nürburgring outing as a distraction, Red Bull sees it as something that energises their driver. In fact, Mekies pointed out that similar excursions in the past have had the opposite effect of draining Verstappen. Verstappen often returns from these experiences more motivated, more focused and ultimately sharper during Formula 1 weekends.
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A driver driven by pure passion
There is a growing sense that Verstappen’s relationship with motorsport transcends professional obligation. For him, racing is not confined to Formula 1, it is a lifelong obsession.
This passion is evident in his growing involvement in endurance racing. Through Verstappen Racing, he has already laid the foundations for a long-term presence in GT competition. The Nürburgring 24 Hours represents a personal milestone, a dream he has openly said he wants to pursue seriously, rather than just symbolically.
This explains why he is willing to take on such a demanding challenge during an already intense Formula 1 season. While others might choose rest, Verstappen chooses more racing.
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Frustration with Formula 1 still lingers
The timing of this Nürburgring venture is significant. Verstappen has become increasingly vocal about his frustrations with the current generation of Formula 1 cars and regulations. At times, his comments have suggested that he is not entirely fulfilled by the sport’s current direction.
This has inevitably fuelled speculation about his long-term future. Could Verstappen walk away from Formula 1 earlier than expected?
His Nürburgring programme, and his broader interest in endurance racing, only adds to that narrative.
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Danner: No immediate exit, but questions remain
Despite the speculation, former driver and RTL TV F1 pundit Christian Danner does not believe that Verstappen is on the verge of abandoning Formula 1.
Danner emphasises that Verstappen’s criticism should not be misinterpreted as disengagement. Instead, it reflects the honesty that has defined his career. As a multiple world champion, he has the experience and credibility to critically assess the sport, and he is not afraid to voice his opinions.
“Max Verstappen will definitely not lose his passion for Formula 1,” said Danner in an interview with RTL.
“But you have to give him credit: he has credibility as an honest guy. He has always clearly stated his opinion and also has the competence to be able to judge what he judges.”
Danner believes that Verstappen’s current frustrations are not simply tied to performance, rather that his frustrations stem from a genuine perspective on the direction of the sport rather than from short-term results.
“I believe this is completely independent of his position, the fact that he’s not currently competing at the front, but that’s his honest opinion. And if anyone can judge that, it’s the world champion of recent years,” Danner continued.
“And that’s something you really have to give him credit for. He enjoys himself at the Nürburgring, but his true calling is still Formula 1.”
A genuine contender at the Nürburgring: Mercedes will give him the best car
Looking ahead to the race itself, expectations are already high. With a top-tier Mercedes-AMG GT3 car and an experienced team around him, Verstappen is one of the standout contenders.
Danner is unequivocal in his assessment: Verstappen will have machinery capable of winning, supported by what Danner describes as “the very best of the best” from Mercedes. This alone makes him a strong favourite.
“Max Verstappen is clearly in a winning car and a winning team,” says Danner. Mercedes has provided him with “the very best of the best.” The four-time world champion is therefore entering the race with one of the favorites.
“That’s why he’s one of several candidates who will be competing for the win there. I’m absolutely certain of that. And the fun he has doing it will always be the same, no matter what the weather,”
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Not the first time that F1 drivers have stepped outside the paddock
While Max Verstappen’s programme at the Nürburgring may seem unusual in the current Formula 1 landscape, it is by no means unprecedented. In fact, some of the sport’s biggest names have pursued parallel racing adventures, sometimes with remarkable success.
Perhaps the most high-profile example in recent years is Fernando Alonso.
Alonso & Hulkenberg’s exploits
During his time with McLaren, the Spaniard was granted permission to skip the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix to compete in the Indianapolis 500. This bold decision underlined both Alonso’s ambition and McLaren’s willingness to embrace opportunities beyond Formula 1.
Alonso didn’t stop there. He later went on to compete in, and win, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, thus cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile drivers of his generation. These endurance racing exploits ultimately contributed to his pursuit of the elusive ‘Triple Crown’ of motorsport.
Similarly, Nico Hülkenberg is a prime example of an active Formula 1 driver who has successfully stepped into endurance racing. In 2015, while still competing in Formula 1, he raced at Le Mans with Porsche and won on his debut. This rare feat demonstrated just how transferable talent from top-level single-seater racing can be when paired with the right machinery and preparation.
When it goes wrong: the risks teams fear
However, for every success story, there are cautionary tales that explain why teams remain cautious about such ventures.
One of the most sobering examples is Robert Kubica. The Polish driver, widely regarded as one of the most promising talents of his generation, was involved in a near-fatal rally crash in 2011 during the Formula 1 off-season. The accident left him with severe injuries that derailed his Formula 1 career at its peak.
Kubica’s case remains a defining moment for teams when assessing risk. It highlights just how quickly circumstances can change when drivers step outside the controlled environment of Formula 1.
Another example comes from Juan Pablo Montoya. During his time with McLaren, the Colombian sustained a rib injury while playing tennis, not while racing. While less dramatic than Kubica’s accident, it still impacted his ability to compete and raised questions about how drivers manage risk away from the track.
Even seemingly minor incidents can have major consequences in a sport where peak physical condition is essential.
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Verstappen’s situation is unique: A planned F1 exit
What sets him apart is the timing and intent behind his Nürburgring programme. Unlike Alonso’s one-off Indy 500 appearance or Hülkenberg’s Le Mans outing, it feels as though this is part of a broader trajectory, a strategic plan.
He is not merely exploring endurance racing; he is actively establishing a presence within it.
From setting up Verstappen Racing to recruiting top-class teammates and acquiring competitive machinery, every move appears calculated for an exit for Formula 1 racing sooner rather than later.
NEXT ARTICLE – Formula One 2026: Entertainment or Sport?
Two race weekends down and the all new Formula One 2026 regulations have indeed had the biggest impact on the sport since its inception. As happened last time the engine rules were radically changed in 2014, it is Mercedes who have turned out on top. That said, Ferrari too have done a decent job as they sit second behind the silver arrows in the constructors’ championship.
For the rest of the field, the picture is not so rosy. If we tot up the points scored by the other nine constructors they total just four more than the Scuderia have accumulated across two races weekends.
Of course, it was expected there would be big winners and losers but presently the championships look to be a race between Ferrari and Mercedes, with the latter looking the stronger of the two.
FIA pause rule changes before Japan
The Sprint weekend in China happens to have settled some of the nerves up and down the paddock, as the expected emergency rule changes before Japan in less than two weeks time have been put on hold. Concerns remain that the disparity of performance between a car out of electrical power and one using its electrical boost systems are creating huge speed differentials which could result in a massive accident.
Then there’s the unwanted spectacle of drivers ‘going slow, to go fast’ in qualifying and the much criticised need to ‘lift and coast’ when in previous generations the cars would be flat out approaching a corner.
Unsurprisingly, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes on the whole the new regulations are working well, but given his drivers have won all three races to date, why would he say otherwise? “Qualifying flat-out would be nice. But when you look at the fans and the…CONTINUE READING THIS STORY
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With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
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