Max Verstappen to Race NLS: How to Watch & What to Know

NÜRBURGRING – Max Verstappen continued his foray into sports car racing this weekend, securing a dominant pole position for the NLS2 race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Winward Racing, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion clocked a blistering lap time of 7:51.751, nearly two seconds faster than his nearest competitor, Christopher Haase in an Audi.

The achievement marks a significant statement from Verstappen as he prepares for the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. This weekend’s performance serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the endurance classic, allowing the Dutchman to further acclimate to the demands of the legendary circuit and the Mercedes-AMG GT3 machinery.

Verstappen’s lap time shattered previous benchmarks, demonstrating his rapid adaptation to GT racing and the unique challenges of the Nordschleife. According to RacingNewsToday, the atmosphere within the Winward Racing pit box was electric as Verstappen navigated the 24-kilometer circuit, consistently posting “purple” sectors throughout his qualifying run. He ultimately found crucial time in the high-speed Döttinger Höhe section.

“The car felt great, the grip was there when I needed it, and I had a bit of luck while there were not much yellow flags out there,” Verstappen said following the session. His teammates, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella, who participated in the initial stages of qualifying, expressed their enthusiasm for the performance.

Verstappen’s participation in the NLS and upcoming 24 Hours race comes amidst a challenging start to the Formula 1 season with Red Bull. The move to GT racing appears to have rekindled his passion for pure competition, offering a different kind of racing experience.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife, often referred to as the “Green Hell,” presents a unique set of challenges for drivers. The NLS, or Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie, is a long-distance championship consisting of 10 races, each held on the demanding circuit. While the layout differs slightly from that used in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, it provides invaluable preparation for the endurance classic.

The NLS utilizes the “Mercedes-Arena” and “Motorbike-Chicane” sections, differing from the full grand prix circuit used during the 24-hour race. The NLS track measures 24.358 kilometers, compared to the 25.378 kilometers of the 24 Hours layout. Races vary in duration, with most, including this weekend’s NLS2, lasting four hours, while one race in August extends to six hours.

Competing alongside Verstappen in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 are experienced GT drivers Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon for NLS2. For the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May, Lucas Auer will join the trio. Juncadella brings a background in both single-seaters and GT racing, with a GT World Challenge Europe title to his name, while Gounon is a proven winner in GT racing, boasting victories in the 12 Hours of Bathurst and 24 Hours of Spa. Auer adds further experience at the Nürburgring.

The NLS serves as a proving ground for both manufacturers and drivers, with many viewing it as essential preparation for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The competition in NLS2 is fierce, with 26 GT3 cars entered in the SP9 class. Verstappen will face stiff competition from teams like Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol, Rowe Racing (with BMW M4 GT3s piloted by Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello, and Sheldon Van Der Linde), and Red Bull Team Abt (with a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO II).

The NLS features a diverse range of classes, including SP9 (GT3), SP10 (GT4), and CUP2 (Porsche 911 GT3 Cup), as well as classes for BMW M2 and VW Golf models. The race is divided into three groups based on class, ensuring a dynamic and competitive field. The SP9 class is further divided into Pro, Pro/Am, and Am categories based on driver ratings, with Verstappen’s team competing in the Pro class due to his Formula 1 superlicense.

Verstappen’s decision to race at the Nürburgring during the Formula 1 season was made possible by the scheduling of the race between the Miami and Canadian Grand Prix. Mercedes-AMG worked to adjust the NLS schedule to accommodate his participation, highlighting the significance of his entry.

The NLS2 race began with qualifying on Saturday, March 21st, with the race itself following later in the day. Fans in Latin America could watch the race live on the ADAC Motorsports YouTube channel, with commentary in both German, and English. Team Redline also provided live coverage on their Twitch channel.