Max returns to the Nordschleife for NLS2: 'There is no circuit like this'

Published on 20 March 2026 by Misha van der Kroon

Max Verstappen has returned to the Nürburgring Nordschleife for the second race of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, the NLS2 race, continuing his GT3 adventure. For the first time, the Dutchman will race in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, sharing the challenge with teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon. The car will run with start number 3 in the four-hour race, which will start on Saturday 21 March at 12:00 Dutch time.

In 2025, Max claimed victory in NLS9 together with Chris Lulham, having earlier secured his Nordschleife permit. He quickly adapted to the challenges of GT3 racing, including traffic, changing conditions and long runs. In 2026, he builds on that experience with NLS2, which forms part of a broader programme.

Under the Verstappen Racing banner, in collaboration with Winward Racing and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the programme includes several rounds of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, with the highlight being the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in mid-May.

Speaking about the unforgiving 24-kilometre circuit, Max says: “The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There is no other circuit like it. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring has been on my bucket list for a long time. We’re racing here this weekend to prepare for that as well as possible.”

To mark the occasion, an exclusive Nürburgring NLS GT3 collection has been launched, available exclusively in the Max Verstappen Shop. The collection includes a T-shirt, hoodie and scale models (1:18 and 1:43) of Max’s NLS2 Mercedes-AMG GT3 car. Check: https://store.verstappen.com/en/c-11093

Saturday (21 March) begins with a 90-minute qualifying session at 08:30 Dutch time, followed by the start of the four-hour race at 12:00. Viaplay will broadcast the race live, but you can also follow Max’s progress together with Team Redline. A livestream starts at 11:30, featuring live onboard footage and a giveaway in which ten caps signed by Max will be up for grabs: https://www.twitch.tv/teamredline/