As we have reported on multiple occasions, the Nurburgring Endurance Series has been doing everything in its power to give Max Verstappen the chance to contest a race ahead of his likely participation in the Nurburgring 24 Hours (May 16–17).
The sticking point so far has been straightforward: every NLS round scheduled before the 24 Hours clashes with a Formula 1 grand prix weekend.
Organisers initially explored the possibility of moving NLS1, set for March 14 (which clashes with F1's Chinese Grand Prix). But despite their best efforts, that option proved unworkable. Attention then turned to plan B: bringing NLS2 forward by one week from its original March 28 date (which clashed with F1's Japanese GP).
A meeting was held last week to discuss that scenario, and The Race understands that a solution has now been found.
The fact that the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nurburgring – another championship run exclusively on the Nordschleife – announced a calendar change this morning appears to confirm that information.
“The start of the 2026 season of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) will be slightly delayed,” the organisers stated. “The first RCN event will now take place on Saturday, 28 March 2026, following a change of date.
"The RCN responded to the wishes of the ADAC Ravenol Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) and the ADAC, which had revised their season schedule at short notice."
That development would open the door for Verstappen to take part in NLS2 at the wheel of a Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG on March 21.
While Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon are expected to be in Qatar on March 21 for the WEC Prologue, Lucas Auer (the fourth driver of the line-up) could be available and could partner Verstappen on that occasion.
Does this mean Verstappen will definitely race in the Nürburgring 24 Hours? No – but all the indicators are now firmly pointing in the right direction. What is clear is that the governing bodies are doing everything they can to make it possible for Verstappen to take the start.
And it is difficult to believe the NLS would be going to such lengths without at least some level of assurance behind the scenes.
