Max Verstappen has traveled to the Nürburgring Nordschleife after the disappointing F1 weekend in Japan. On Tuesday morning, he tested again with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, with which he already participated in an NLS race in mid-March. In addition to the current F1 season, Verstappen will also participate in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. Amidst all the rumors about a possible approaching retirement, the Dutchman seems to be focusing primarily on preparing for his first 24-hour race.
Read more Villeneuve lashes out at McLaren: ‘Why did they let Piastri make a pitstop then already?’
Images are circulating on social media of Verstappen once again braving the Nürburgring on Tuesday with his Mercedes car. Earlier this month, he participated in NLS2, together with teammates Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon. The trio was dominant on the German asphalt and initially seemed to take the victory, but was ultimately disqualified for using too many sets of tires.
Qualifying sessions in April
In addition to clocking up test kilometers, Verstappen is also potentially considering participating in competitive sessions. “I will not be participating in NLS3,” he confirmed to the media in Suzuka. The next NLS race is on the calendar for Saturday, April 11, but the Dutchman’s racing team has other obligations then. In the following weekend, the qualifying sessions for the 24-hour race take place. Will Verstappen travel to the Eifel for that? “At the moment, only Lucas (Auer, ed.) is in the car for those races,” the four-time F1 champion said. “I would feel a bit sorry for him if he has to do everything alone,” he said tellingly. “Dani (Juncadella, ed.) and Jules (Gounon, ed.) can’t, so it would actually make sense if I joined in.”
Read more Aston Martin held its own championship at Suzuka: ‘Fun race for the last places’
The trip to the Nürburgring on Tuesday comes amidst the stir surrounding Verstappen’s F1 future. In the paddock in Japan, he openly expressed his doubts about his future in the premier class. In recent weeks, he has regularly criticized the new regulations and, after another disappointment in Suzuka, admitted to seriously considering an early departure from the sport.
Max is currently at the Nürburgring! 😄pic.twitter.com/CuwbRA7PtB
— Verstappen News (@verstappenews) March 31, 2026
You can change your choices at any time by clicking on “Cookie settings” at the bottom of the site.
NOW ONLINE: 40-page Race Special GP Japan: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis and interview!
Read more Piastri fears ‘no easy solution’ for large speed differences after Bearman crash
