Verstappen Gears Up for NLS with Key Races Scheduled
Max Verstappen is set to participate in two races of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) as he prepares for his debut in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, scheduled for May. The Dutch driver will share the wheel of the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing AMG GT3 EVO with Lucas Auer during the ADAC 24H Qualifiers on April 18 and 19.
Verstappen’s entry into these qualifiers follows the postponement of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, providing a vital opportunity to gain experience on the challenging Nordschleife, particularly during nighttime conditions—as the first race will conclude at 21:30 local time.
Auer, an AMG factory driver and recent NLS winner, will be making his season debut. He previously secured victory with Mikaël Grenier at the 2024 NLS finale.
In previous NLS action, Verstappen secured a victory in NLS2, only to have it revoked due to a violation of the tyre allowance rules after the race.
The ADAC 24H Qualifiers will be the final steps before the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring, emphasizing their importance in his preparation.
Key Dates:
- NLS Qualifiers: April 18-19, 2026
- 24 Hours of Nürburgring: May 14-17, 2026
Verstappen’s strategic addition of these races aims to bolster his readiness for one of endurance racing’s most demanding events.
