Mercedes Requests Schedule Change for Verstappen's NLS Debut; Red Bull Skips Shakedown

Mercedes executives have formally requested a rescheduling of the Nordschleife Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) season opener to accommodate Max Verstappen, aiming to resolve a calendar clash with the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix. Concurrently, Red Bull Racing has decided to bypass a crucial shakedown for their 2026 challenger, opting instead to rely on their sister team, Racing Bulls, for initial track data before the Barcelona test.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential entry into the Nürburgring 24 Hours represents a significant crossover moment, bringing F1 star power to the endurance racing stage and highlighting Mercedes' commitment to their customer driver. For Red Bull, the decision to skip the shakedown reflects a high-stakes gamble on their simulation capabilities and preparation for the new regulatory era, especially given their high-profile technical partnership with Ford for the 2026 season.

The details:

• Calendar Clash: The opening round of the NLS currently conflicts with the Chinese GP. Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius and Toto Wolff are actively lobbying organizers to shift the date, ensuring Verstappen has adequate preparation time for the demanding Nürburgring event.
• Red Bull's Approach: While Red Bull and Racing Bulls unveiled their 2026 cars in Detroit, the senior team will skip the traditional shakedown. Racing Bulls will conduct the initial running at Barcelona, with the new car's full public debut scheduled for Imola to gather early power unit data.
• Driver Market Nuance: In a lighter revelation, Verstappen explained that he secured the rights to race number #3—previously used by Daniel Ricciardo—simply by sharing "a few drinks" with the Honey Badger, signaling a fresh branding chapter for the triple world champion.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the NLS organizers' decision regarding the schedule change and whether Red Bull's unconventional testing approach will yield a competitive advantage in Barcelona. As the grid gears up for the new regulations, these early strategic moves could prove pivotal in establishing the early pecking order.