Nurburgring shifts NLS date to accommodate Verstappen

Jan.27 (GMM) Organisers of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie have altered their 2026 calendar in a move that opens the door for Max Verstappen to race on the Nordschleife alongside his Formula 1 commitments.

The VLN announced that the second round of the NLS season has been brought forward by one week, from March 28 to March 21, placing it between the Formula 1 grands prix in China and Japan.

“By moving the race a week earlier, we capitalise on an existing gap in the Formula 1 calendar, allowing drivers from the premier class and other international racing series to participate,” the organisers said.

“This is also intended to further expand the global visibility the NLS gained last year through Max Verstappen’s participation, to the benefit of all teams and competitors.”

The season opener on March 14 remains unchanged.

The change follows Verstappen’s public ambition to increase his GT3 racing program in 2026, with the four-time world champion openly considering the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. While the 24-hour race itself does not clash with Formula 1, the traditional preparatory NLS rounds previously did.

According to reports, intensive discussions took place behind the scenes, with Mercedes-Benz also understood to have supported a calendar adjustment after Verstappen’s Verstappen.com Racing GT3 program switched to Mercedes-AMG machinery for 2026.

Verstappen made his Nordschleife debut last year after obtaining his A-permit, winning an NLS race shortly afterwards. The revised calendar now gives him a realistic opportunity to contest a key preparation event without conflicting with Formula 1.

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