Max Verstappen's upcoming debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race has drawn such interest that the event has reached its entry limit. The race organizers have capped entries at 150, a first in years, largely due to the Verstappen effect.
Max Verstappen's influence is undeniable, and the Nurburgring 24-hour race is the latest venue to feel the full force of his star power. The organizers have capped competitor entries for the first time in several years, reaching a 150-car limit, a crowd largely drawn by the allure of sharing the track with the four-time F1 World Champion.
Verstappen, who has grown somewhat weary of current F1 regulations, is branching out and finding joy in endurance racing. His upcoming debut at the Nurburgring in May has caused quite a stir, with many eager to race alongside him. German publication Auto Motor und Sport reports that the entry list filled swiftly, surpassing the typical 130 entries seen since the pandemic.
The event is run by ADAC Nordrhein, who have indicated that some entries might be canceled following a review process to ensure fairness. "To ensure a fair process for all teams, the regulations stipulate that a review and selection will take place after the entry deadline," stated the organizers.
Verstappen's foray into GT3 racing began in September, where he snagged a victory at the Nurburgring Endurance Series. He is eagerly anticipating the full 24-hour experience. "The Nurburgring Nordschleife is a special place," Verstappen remarked. "There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nurburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now."
The Dutch driver has been preparing diligently, securing the necessary DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participating in warm-up races. He'll be teaming up with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer, receiving backing from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. "Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximize everything in the races," Verstappen added.
Max Verstappen's appeal goes beyond the F1 circuit, and his debut at the Nurburgring 24 highlights his growing influence in the world of motorsport.