Verstappen and the Nordschleife: his 24 Hours dream takes shape

Max Verstappen’s instructor at the Nürburgring, Andreas Gulden, hopes to see him back on track at the Nordschleife soon. A change to the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) calendar could help Verstappen achieve his big goal: participating in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The second race of the NLS has been moved forward by one weekend, avoiding a clash with the Japanese Grand Prix. When Max Verstappen joined the series in 2025, he had already expressed his desire to return to the German track ahead of the main event, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Gulden wants to see Max Verstappen in action again

Gulden, who served as Red Bull Racing’s driver instructor while Verstappen obtained the DMSB Nordschleife license, would be delighted to see the four-time Formula 1 world champion back on track. “I’m basically at the Ring 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he told Mennem. “I live it with enthusiasm, so if you do everything possible to bring Max Verstappen to the Ring, I think it’s the best thing for the series and the best thing that could happen for the 24 Hours. It’s good for us, good for the Nürburgring, and above all, it’s good for all the Nordschleife fans, because it helps spread this spirit around the world.”

The impact of Verstappen’s presence

Gulden also acknowledged the impact that the Red Bull drier could have on both the race and the circuit. “There really isn’t anything better. And of course, I feel very sorry for everyone who now has to reschedule their hotel bookings, truly, but that’s the way it is. And I think, on reflection, everyone can understand it,” he concluded.

As Max Verstappen continues to dominate the Formula 1 landscape, his passion for diverse motorsport challenges remains a defining trait of his career. Whether through sim racing or real-world endurance stints, the Dutchman has never hidden his desire to test himself against the world’s most unforgiving tracks. If the 2026 schedule allows, his presence at the Nürburgring 24 Hours would not only be a personal milestone but a historic moment for endurance racing as a whole. Fans are now eagerly watching to see if the “Green Hell” will finally host F1’s most formidable competitor in a full 24-hour battle.