Max Verstappen moves step closer to Nurburgring 24 Hours race

A key obstacle standing in the way of Max Verstappen having an outing at the Nurburgring 24 Hours has been removed.

All previous NLS rounds before the famous endurance race clashed with F1's compact schedule.

Verstappen has long voiced his interest in taking part in the 24-hour Nurburgring race and had his first official race outing last year, winning a four-hour event alongside team-mate Chris Lulham.

However, the 24-hour event requires a mandatory preparation race, all of which originally fell alongside a grand prix weekend.

In a schedule update, the second NLS round has been shifted back one week and now sits between the Chinese and Japanese F1 events.

This now provides Verstappen the option to take part in the race ahead of the May 16-17 24-hour race.

“We are shifting gears for the sport and our region,” a statement from Nurburgring NLS read. 

“To maximize international participation, NLS2 has been moved forward to March 21.

“Why we move: 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 enable top-tier drivers to compete in the NLS. This move increases our global reach to the benefit of all teams, participants, and the entire Nürburgring region.”