Toto Wolff enjoys seeing Verstappen in a Mercedes, details NLS calendar shift
Toto Wolff confirmed Mercedes-AMG helped adjust the NLS endurance series calendar to avoid an F1 clash, facilitating Max Verstappen's potential Nürburgring 24 Hours entry. Wolff joked about enjoying the sight of Verstappen in a Mercedes, as the move promises to massively boost the series' profile.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed the team's role in helping adjust a major endurance racing calendar to accommodate Max Verstappen, quipping that seeing the Red Bull star drive a Mercedes is "something we enjoy." The calendar change for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) significantly boosts Verstappen's chances of competing in the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours race later this year.
Why it matters:
This move highlights the crossover appeal of Formula 1's biggest star and the lengths to which other series will go to secure his participation. Verstappen driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3, even in a non-F1 context, creates a unique and marketable spectacle that benefits the entire NLS series, demonstrating his immense draw beyond the F1 paddock.
The details:
- Wolff clarified that the push to adjust the NLS calendar was led by Mercedes' performance division, AMG, working directly with series organizers, not by him personally.
- The second NLS round was moved forward by one weekend to avoid a clash with the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, clearing a key logistical hurdle for Verstappen.
- The commercial incentive was substantial. Wolff cited "crazy" viewership figures, suggesting a normal NLS round might attract around 10,000 YouTube viewers, while an event with Verstappen could draw up to 750,000.
- Andreas Gulden, the instructor who oversaw Verstappen's training for his Nordschleife permit, stated he would welcome the four-time champion back to the track "more than happily."
What's next:
The path is now clear for Verstappen to pursue his goal of racing in the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours, a legendary event he has long expressed a desire to contest. His participation would bring unprecedented global attention to the endurance series and fulfill a personal ambition for the Dutch driver, all while providing the curious sight of a reigning F1 world champion competing for a rival manufacturer's team.