Lando Norris casts Max Verstappen F1 rivalry aside with surprise support

Lando Norris has vowed to support Max Verstappen during the four-time champion’s upcoming entry in the Nurburgring 24 Hours.

The Nordschleife has long been regarded as one of the most iconic circuits in the world and has attracted increased attention of late due to Verstappen’s involvement.

Verstappen has already competed in two events so far this year in preparation for the endurance race later this month.

Norris has said he will aim to tune in to Verstappen’s race, which will take place on May 16–17, as much as possible to keep track of his rival's progress.

“I've been watching all the GT races that Max has been doing, quite a few of my friends do GT racing, I've watched it for years,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.

“It's nice to get my own view of the circuit, and I think it certainly lives up to all the expectations and things that people say about it. 

“Of course, it's a tricky, risky track, and it was sad to obviously lose a life in the other race. That can happen in racing in general.

“It's not just this circuit, it could happen at any track and have a similar consequence. So it's a real shame that that's the case, and it's sad for all of motorsport.

“But it's still one of the best races in the world, the Nordschleife 24 Hours. I'll be watching - maybe not the whole 24 hours - but as much as possible, and support Max.

“He's a guy that I respect a lot, and I've enjoyed watching him and Chris Hasse racing over the last few weeks. It's good to watch him, so I'll definitely be watching.”

Norris details emotions of Nordschleife outing

Norris recently got his own taste of the Nordschleife when McLaren travelled to Germany to partake in a Pirelli tyre test around the Nurburgring.

While there, Norris got behind the wheel of a McLaren sports car to attack the Nordschleife layout.

Having voiced his displeasure with the 2026 F1 cars across the opening rounds of the campaign, Norris admitted his Nordschleife appearance was his most exciting venture so far this season.

“It was most fun I've had all year, to be honest,” Norris said.

“It was a lot of fun. Also, because it's a circuit I've driven on Gran Turismo and iRacing, on the simulator for years.

“It's one of those tracks that everyone just wants to drive, whether you're a racing driver or not. 

“It's just always cool to go and do that, because it's so unique. I feel like you can do it in any car and probably have a lot of fun. Even the McLaren is scary and fun, but it was cool that I got to do one of those things. 

“As much as I've been in F1 for years, I've been to Nurburgring countless times. It was my first opportunity to actually go on the Nordschleife and drive. 

“I've watched all of the onboards, I knew the track off by heart already. I felt like I knew the track.”