Max Verstappen has confirmed he is 'working on making happen' an appearance in this year's Nürburgring 24 Hours in which he will at least be able to "drive flat out".
Verstappen is poised to compete in the renowned event following recent changes to the Nürburgring Endurance Series [NLS] calendar, allowing him to drive in a 'warm-up' race no longer clashing with an F1 grand prix before the main event on May 16-17.
If all goes to plan, Verstappen will compete in an NLS race on March 21 in a Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG.
"I want to do it," said Verstappen, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365. "We are working on it to make it happen, but I cannot confirm it yet.
"It's great, of course, from the organisers that they changed the date because if I do it, of course, I need one race in preparation, compared to guys who have been doing it for a while and have a bit more experience.
"Also, for me, doing it in a new car that I've not driven there at the Nordschleife, you need a race to learn the procedures.
"Even for me, doing a pit stop, doing a driver change, I normally don't do that, so all these little things, I just want to prepare well for then potentially participating in the 24 hours."
As to what is required for the plans to come to fruition, Verstappen said: "Details with the car, line-up, sponsors. If all that comes together, I'd be happy to participate. As soon as I know, I'll announce it."
If Verstappen does compete in both races, it will allow him to enjoy a level of racing he will rarely experience in F1 this year.
The four-time F1 champion left no stone unturned in his criticism of the major regulations changes for this year that will see the cars run on a 50-50 split of combustion and electrical energy, requiring harvesting and deployment of the latter to manage laps.
Appreciating what would be in store in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen said: "Looking at it now, at least, maybe you can drive flat out there, without looking after my battery."
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