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Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has also enjoyed a stellar career in GT3, but he will miss a number of NLS races in 2026 as a result of his priorities with Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen will miss six races next year due to Formula 1 taking precedence over his GT3 career. The 28-year-old made waves by winning his GT3 debut, clinching the ninth round of the NLS (Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie) alongside Chris Lulham.
The pair stormed to victory in a four-hour race in a Ferrari 296 GT3 adorned with Verstappen.com and Red Bull branding. It comes as just another feather in Verstappen’s cap, having recently won the last two Formula 1 Grand Prix in Italy and Azerbaijan – victories that have rekindled his title aspirations.
F1 remains his main focus and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. His £40million-a-year contract with Red Bull means he’ll have to miss most of the NLS season after the 2026 schedule was confirmed.
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This is because six NLS races next year overlap with F1 Grand Prix. NLS1 clashes with China on March 14, NLS2 with Japan on March 28, NLS3 with Bahrain on April 11, and NLS4 and NLS5 with Saudi Arabia on April 19.
However, NLS4 and NLS5 are seen as qualifiers for the Nurburgring 24 Hours, but it’s not compulsory to participate in them if you want to enter the iconic event, as they don’t determine your starting position;.
Luckily, Verstappen will have room in his schedule to compete, as the Nurburgring 24 Hours takes place from May 15 to 17, between the Miami and Canadian Grand Prix, reports the Express.
The four-time F1 champion, who’s in a fierce competition with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for the title this season, has also got NLS6 on June 20 and NLS7 on August 1 in his sights.
However, NLS8 and NLS9 are set to clash with the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix, while NLS10 is also scheduled against Singapore on October 10.
Verstappen has already shared his desire to participate in ‘a few’ NLS events in 2026, particularly a certain race in Germany. He said: “Of course, we really want to race the 24-hour race, here at the Nordschleife.
“If that’s going to be next year, I don’t know yet. We need more experience, so hopefully we can enter a few more NLS races next year.”
Speaking about his debut win, Verstappen added: “It was great During my first two stints, the car was amazing. After qualifying, I knew the car would be good on a dry track.
“Everything went well in terms of traffic, and we didn’t make any big mistakes. To win my debut race here is amazing.”
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