Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has confirmed that he is “working” towards participating in this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, fulfilling a long-standing personal dream.
The Dutch driver already competed at the Nordschleife last year, winning a four-hour race. This victory allowed him to obtain the necessary license to take part in the endurance event scheduled for May 16–17.
Max Verstappen will even have the advantage of competing in a preparatory event on March 21, thanks to a calendar adjustment in the Nürburgring Endurance Series to avoid conflicts with the Formula 1 schedule.
“I want to do it,” said the Red Bull driver to media present at the Bahrain International Circuit during the first week of pre-season testing. “It’s great that the organizers changed the date because, if I do it, I need a preparation race compared to everyone else who is already used to these cars because they’ve been racing them for longer.”
“Also, I’ll be driving a new car that I’ve never driven at the Nordschleife. I need a race to learn the procedures. Doing a pit stop, changing drivers—these are things I don’t normally do, so I just want to prepare well so I can potentially compete in the 24-hour race.”
However, a few details still need to be finalized before his participation can be confirmed: “There are still minor things with the car, the team, and the sponsors. If all of this comes together, I’ll be happy to take part. As soon as I know, I’ll announce it.”
After describing the new F1 cars as “Formula E on steroids,” Max Verstappen indicated that this endurance race would be a welcome change for him: “Looking at it now, at least, maybe you can drive flat out without worrying about the battery,” he joked.
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