Verstappen rules out Nordschleife return for 2026
Max Verstappen's 2026 Nordschleife programme is finished. A clash with the GT World Challenge has closed the door on any further NLS appearances this season.
Max Verstappen says he is unlikely to make another appearance on the Nurburgring Nordschleife this year.
The quadruple Formula 1 world champion has become increasingly serious about his GT racing ambitions, expanding his Verstappen.com Racing program and personally competing in several events at the famous German circuit in 2026.
After an NLS victory that was later stripped due to a tyre regulation infringement, Verstappen looked on course for a major result in the recent Nurburgring 24 Hours before a technical failure ended the team's hopes.
Many fans had hoped the Dutchman might return for another NLS event later this year.
However, speaking in Barcelona, Verstappen indicated that will not happen.
"Unfortunately, it clashes with the GT World Challenge, so that won't be possible," he said.
The scheduling conflict effectively ends Verstappen's Nordschleife program for 2026, with no other suitable opportunities remaining around his Formula 1 commitments.
Max Verstappen, GT racing in 2026
| F1 championships | 4 (2021–2024) |
|---|---|
| GT programme | Verstappen.com Racing |
| 2026 Nordschleife | NLS + Nurburgring 24 Hours |
| NLS result (2026) | Victory, later stripped (tyre infringement) |
| N24H result (2026) | DNF, technical failure |
See also: All-time F1 records archive on F1-Fansite.
Related: Mercedes cools Verstappen talk despite Nurburgring buzz
