The prestigious Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) has made a significant calendar adjustment for its 2026 season, moving its second round by one week to accommodate the potential involvement of Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen.
Strategic Shift for Star Power
Series organisers announced they have rescheduled the event from March 28 to March 21, specifically to "enable top-tier drivers to compete" in the endurance championship. This strategic move creates an opportunity for Verstappen, who obtained his crucial A-licence for the infamous 12.94-mile Nordschleife circuit last September.
Calendar Conflict Resolution
The original March 28 date presented a direct clash with Formula 1's Japanese Grand Prix, creating an impossible scheduling conflict for any active F1 driver. The new March 21 slot cleverly occupies a gap in the international racing calendar between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.
An official statement explained: "This adjustment leverages a gap in the F1 calendar between the grands prix in China and Japan. By aligning with the international racing schedule, we enabled top-tier drivers to compete in the NLS."
Verstappen's Nurburgring Ambitions
The 28-year-old Dutch driver, who secured his fourth F1 world championship title in 2025, has been openly pursuing his passion for endurance racing alongside his Formula 1 commitments. Shortly after obtaining his Nurburgring licence last year, Verstappen demonstrated his capability by winning his debut GT3 race at the circuit.
Verstappen has expressed particular interest in competing at the legendary 24 Hours of Nurburgring event in May, which falls between F1 races in Miami and Montreal. However, regulations require participation in at least one NLS endurance race as preparation for the demanding 24-hour challenge.
Proven Performance and Future Prospects
The Red Bull Racing star has already proven his competitiveness at the German circuit, partnering with British driver Chris Lulham last year to win a four-hour endurance race by 24 seconds. During that successful weekend, Verstappen also set the fastest lap of the race, demonstrating his rapid adaptation to the unique challenges of the Nordschleife.
Regarding his 24-hour ambitions, Verstappen commented previously: "Of course, I would really like to compete in the 24 Hours at some point. If it happens next year, I'll say so - but we still need more experience. That's the way it is, so hopefully we'll do more races here next year."
Balancing Act for 2026
The Dutch champion acknowledged the complexities of balancing his Formula 1 responsibilities with other racing pursuits, particularly with new technical regulations coming into effect for the 2026 F1 season. "For me, it's very important to be able to do those things outside F1," Verstappen stated. "Of course, how much I can do during an F1 season is a bit tricky. Also, next year, new regulations, it's already hard enough in Formula 1."
He added cautiously: "It depends on how next season goes with the new rules. It's impossible to say now if I can compete in other things outside of that."
Broader Benefits and Global Reach
Series organisers emphasised that accommodating elite drivers like Verstappen benefits the entire Nurburgring racing community. Their statement highlighted: "This move increases our global reach to the benefit of all teams, participants, and the entire Nurburgring region."
As Verstappen prepares for Red Bull's private pre-season test in Barcelona this week, with the 2026 F1 season commencing at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, this calendar adjustment demonstrates the NLS's commitment to attracting world-class talent while navigating the complexities of international motorsport scheduling.
