During the winter, the NLS calendar was frequently discussed. Max Verstappen would love to participate in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but let it be known that he would then want to do a preparation race. However, in combination with the busy F1 calendar, this was initially not possible. Thus the second race was held during the GP weekend in Japan.
But the organization of the NLS came up with something for that. The race has been brought forward a week and thus falls exactly between the GPs of China and Japan. Andreas Gulden, Verstappen's instructor in obtaining his A license, thinks it's a wonderful development.
Max Verstappen's Nurburgring instructor has apologised for the Dutchman being responsible for triggering a calendar change so he can compete in the 24 Hours.
In September, Verstappen competed in a GT3 race at the Green Hell with the eye on competing in the 24 Hours itself in 2025, which falls between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix on the weekend of May 16th-17th.
But to qualify for that, Verstappen must take part in a preparation race, all of which clashed with F1 grands prix. Ultimately, the NLS changed its calendar with a slot now opening up between the Chinese and Japanese GPs on the weekend of March 21st-22nd.
Andreas Gulden, who taught Verstappen the track last year so he could compete in the GT3 race, which he and Chris Lulham won, has apologised for the disruption in the calendar change, but told those affected to think of the benefits of four-time F1 champion Verstappen racing at the Nurburgring once again.
"For me, it's actually quite simple," Andreas Gulden told Mennem.
"I'm actually at the 'ring 24-7, so to speak. It doesn't affect me at all, and I'm celebrating it, so if you do everything you can to bring Max Verstappen to the 'ring, I think that's the best thing for the series and the best thing that could happen to the 24 Hours.
"It's good for us, good for the Nürburgring, and above all, it's good for all Nordschleife fans to spread the spirit around the world.
"Verstappen is definitely a great tool and a great mouthpiece, because Max Verstappen is keen to race against us there.
"There's really nothing better, and of course, for everyone else who now has to reschedule their hotel reservations, I'm incredibly sorry, of course, but that's how it is now, and I think if you really think about it, I think everyone can understand."
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