Toto Wolff calls NLS calendar change for Verstappen a 'no-brainer'
Toto Wolff says it was an obvious decision for the Nürburgring endurance series to change its race date for Max Verstappen, whose participation last year caused viewership to skyrocket. The calendar shift allows Verstappen to race in March as preparation for May's 24-hour event.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has described the decision to alter a major endurance racing series calendar to accommodate Max Verstappen as a “no-brainer,” highlighting the Red Bull driver's immense drawing power. The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) moved its second 2024 race forward by a week to avoid clashing with the Japanese Grand Prix, allowing Verstappen to compete in a preparatory event for the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's participation transcends typical driver appearances, acting as a massive commercial and promotional engine for racing series outside of Formula 1. His entry last year generated viewership numbers hundreds of times higher than normal, proving his value as a global motorsport superstar capable of shifting schedules and bringing unprecedented attention to historic events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
The details:
- The NLS rescheduled its Race 2 from March 28 to March 21 specifically to prevent a date conflict with the F1 race in Suzuka, clearing the way for Verstappen's participation.
- Wolff clarified that the push for the change came from Mercedes-AMG in collaboration with series organizers, not from him personally, citing the “obvious benefit for all the participants and for the series.”
- The impact of Verstappen's 2023 Nordschleife outing was staggering: the official NLS live stream of that race has garnered nearly 350,000 views, while Sky Sports' coverage added over 175,000 views.
- Wolff highlighted the dramatic contrast, noting viewership could jump from a typical 10,000 to figures as high as 750,000 with Verstappen on the grid, calling the statistics “something crazy."
- The three-time F1 champion, who has long expressed a passion for endurance racing, won a four-hour NLS race last year alongside teammate Chris Lulham.
What's next:
Verstappen is set to use the March NLS race as a crucial practice session ahead of his main goal: competing in the full Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. His continued involvement signals a growing trend of top F1 drivers seeking racing challenges beyond the grand prix calendar, lending their star power to other disciplines. For Wolff and Mercedes-AMG, having the reigning F1 champion drive their GT car remains a significant point of pride and a powerful marketing tool.