26 January 2026PlanetF1Breaking newsRace report
Verstappen Gains Nurburgring Opportunity After NLS Date Shift
The Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie moved its second round to March 21, 2026, clearing a clash with F1 and giving Max Verstappen a chance to race. His past GT4 and GT3 outings, plus a licensing rethink, make this a key step toward future endurance ambitions.
Max Verstappen’s shot at the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie got a decisive boost when organizers moved the second round up by a week. The new March 21, 2026 date avoids a clash with the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, opening the door for the Red Bull star to line‑up at the Green Hell.
Why it matters:
- Visibility: Verstappen’s involvement lifts the NLS profile worldwide, attracting sponsors and fans beyond traditional endurance circles.
- Driver development: Extra seat time on a demanding circuit sharpens the champion’s racecraft and endurance stamina ahead of any future 24‑hour ambitions.
- Cross‑disciplinary appeal: The move signals a growing willingness among F1 teams to support drivers’ ventures into other series, strengthening motorsport’s ecosystem.
The details:
- Date change: NLS 2, originally slated for late March, is now set for March 21, 2026 – a one‑week advance that exploits a gap in the F1 calendar.
- Past outings: Last year Verstappen earned his Nürburgring ‘Ring Licence’ in a GT4‑spec Porsche, qualified 7th in Cup 3 and later won a four‑hour race in a Ferrari 296 GT3 alongside Chris Lulham.
- Licensing impact: His performance prompted Germany’s DMSB to rethink permit criteria, now considering sim‑racing results as part of the evaluation.
- Schedule context: The 2026 NLS calendar comprises ten endurance events, kicking off on March 14. The original clash with the F1 overseas rounds would have forced Verstappen to miss NLS 2.
What’s next:
- NLS 2 on March 21: Verstappen is expected to compete, potentially in the Cup 3 or higher class, depending on team arrangements.
- Long‑term goals: The Dutch driver has hinted at a future 24‑Hour of Le Mans entry; continued NLS participation would be a logical stepping stone.
- Series growth: With Verstappen’s name attached, the NLS aims to attract more top‑tier drivers, boosting its global standing for the 2026 season and beyond.