Red Bull reveal reason for major Max Verstappen decision: 'His eyes light up'

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has explained the team's decision to allow Max Verstappen to enter the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this year.

It was officially confirmed this week that Verstappen will be taking part in the twice-around-the-clock classic on the Nordschleife across the weekend of May 16/17, and will also take part in a NLS warm-up event next weekend, between the Chinese and Japanese GPs.

Last year, Verstappen won a GT3 at 'The Green Hell' alongside team-mate Chris Lulham, and will be entering the 24 Hours in a customer Mercedes AMG machine. 

Discussing the decision to allow their prized asset to compete in one of endurance racing's crown jewel events in the middle of an F1 season - between the Miami and Canadian GPs, Mekies revealed Verstappen's love for racing any kind of car was a key driver in the decision.

Asked by media, including RacingNews365, how much convincing he needed to grant Verstappen approval to enter the 24-hour race, Mekies insisted: "He doesn't need to convince us, really. 

"It's enough to speak for a few minutes with Max, and you see his face light up, his eyes light up when he talks about racing cars—and it doesn't matter what type of cars.

"And you know, it's great. We saw it last year. Yes, he has done it quite a few times in between races. You would think it's taking energy from him, but in fact, he comes back to the racetrack with more energy.

"He is in love with the sport. And it's a great reminder to all of us. We are all motorsport fans. He's a motorsport fan, and he loves spending his free weekends racing."