Title: Mercedes Pulls Out All the Stops to Secure Max Verstappen’s Spot at Nurburgring 24 Hours!
In an electrifying twist in the world of motorsport, Max Verstappen’s much-anticipated debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours now hinges on the outcome of a crucial NLS date adjustment. As Mercedes-AMG ramps up its efforts to facilitate Verstappen’s participation in this endurance classic, the stakes couldn’t be higher!
Following Winward’s bold announcement to compete in the legendary 24-hour race at Nordschleife as the Mercedes-AMG Performance Team, the pieces of the puzzle are rapidly falling into place for Verstappen. Initially, only the sister car was unveiled, but now the project is entering a decisive phase. According to insider sources from Motorsport-Total.com, Verstappen has secured the green light not just from Mercedes but also from the Red Bull Formula 1 team and its parent company, Red Bull. The last hurdle? Competing in a preparatory race—an essential condition for the four-time world champion.
As speculation swirls, whispers suggest that Mercedes executives, including the influential Ola Kallenius and racing chief Toto Wolff, are lobbying at the highest levels to postpone the NLS season opener scheduled for March 14. This date currently clashes with the Chinese Grand Prix, a conflict that could jeopardize Verstappen’s participation.
NLS officials have confirmed that an official request for postponement has been made, but series boss Mike Jager has dispelled rumors that a decision is imminent. “The request for a possible postponement has now been submitted, but nothing more than that,” Jager commented. He added that various interests must be considered, including conflicts with other racing series that have locked in dates. If the NLS1 is rescheduled, it could shift to March 21, perfectly aligning the race weekend between the F1 races in China and Japan. “We are currently looking into this, but nothing has been decided yet,” said Jager, emphasizing the need for consensus among stakeholders.
But what does Verstappen’s dream team look like for the grueling Nurburgring 24 Hours? Sources indicate that the Dutch superstar is handpicking his Mercedes-AMG team partners. Among his likely choices is DTM runner-up Lucas Auer, a proven talent and fellow competitor from their days in the 2014 Formula 3 European Championship. Also in the mix is sim racer Chris Lulham, known for his NLS victory alongside Verstappen in the Emil Frey Ferrari, along with Mercedes works driver Jules Gounon, who recently served as a reference during Verstappen’s AMG tests in Estoril. Veteran driver Daniel Juncadella is another strong contender, bringing his extensive AMG expertise and a close friendship with Verstappen to the table.
However, there’s a notable absence in Verstappen’s plans: Maro Engel. Despite Engel’s reputation as one of the fastest drivers at Nordschleife, tensions flared between the two after Verstappen’s initial test. Engel’s remarks regarding Verstappen’s performance, suggesting it was aided by a more favorable balance of performance from the DTM, ignited a social media spat that could keep them apart on the track.
Engel is set to co-drive his Winward Mercedes with factory drivers Luca Stolz, Fabian Schiller, and Maxime Martin, while Verstappen’s potential entry will be decked out in the colors of Verstappen.com Racing, with sponsorship from Haribo also on the horizon.
As the clock ticks down to the race, Verstappen is leaving nothing to chance. This week, he logged crucial mileage in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 used by 2 Seas in Portimao, skillfully adapting to the car’s dynamics under both rain and dry conditions reminiscent of the unpredictable Eifel weather.
With a thrilling race on the horizon and a potential showdown brewing, all eyes are on the Nurburgring 24 Hours. Will Mercedes succeed in securing Verstappen’s entry, or will the F1 calendar thwart this exhilarating crossover? Stay tuned as this high-octane saga unfolds!
