{"id":1875988,"date":"2026-04-10T10:43:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:43:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875988"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:43:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:43:50","slug":"why-max-verstappen-is-not-racing-in-nls3-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875988","title":{"rendered":"Why Max Verstappen is not racing in NLS3 this weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Why Max Verstappen is not racing in NLS3 this weekend<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Max Verstappen\u2019s GT outings at the Nurburgring will not include this weekend\u2019s NLS3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Duncan <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:43:50+01:00\">10 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 2026 Japanese GP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen will not take part in the latest round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie, scheduled for this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The four-time Formula 1 world champion made his GT racing debut last Autumn, taking part in NLS9 at the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife in an Emil Frey-run Ferrari.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen guided the Red Bull-liveried Ferrari to a maiden victory in his first time of asking, as he set his sights on a first appearance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours.<\/p>\n<p>Plans were put in place earlier this year to allow that to happen, with the Dutchman\u2019s Team Verstappen partnering with Winward Racing to run a Red Bull-backed Mercedes-AMG GT3.<\/p>\n<p>NLS organisers, following lobbying from Mercedes and Toto Wolff, moved NLS2 to the weekend between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix to allow Verstappen to compete.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>This was thought to be a requirement of his before committing to a 24 Hours entry.<\/p>\n<p>Partnering with Joules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, Verstappen qualified on pole for NLS2 last month and went on to help the No.3 car take victory.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a1777f0bb27ec002a78d173af479ff03ef5cdf03cae62e9566fb5d965576bbf0\">  Max Verstappen\u2019s father reacts to bombshell Gianpiero Lambiase exit   How Max Verstappen\u2019s F1 race engineer will fit in at McLaren <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, the car was later disqualified due to a tyre usage error.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What are Verstappen\u2019s Nurburgring plans in April?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Following the NLS2 race, Verstappen says he was evaluating an entry into NLS3, with F1\u2019s April Middle Eastern races cancelled due to the war in Iran.<\/p>\n<p>However, at the Japanese Grand Prix, he confirmed that he will not be taking part in NLS3 on Saturday 11 April.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f162b3ef8a836e49a90b617788634ebac31ab7f5b0b1455086fcd17e9cc17b65\">  Why Lambiase isn&#8217;t the only ace McLaren could play to lure Verstappen   McLaren confirms Gianpiero Lambiase signing as Red Bull responds to shock exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>This is because the No.3 Mercedes car he drove with Gounon and Juncadella is competing in the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>However, he will return to the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes for the Nurburgring 24 qualifiers on the weekend of 18-19 April, ahead of the 24-hour enduro in May.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen will tackle the qualifiers with Lucas Auer. Juncadella and Gounon will not be able to participate due to their FIA World Endurance Championship commitments at Imola.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours will feature a full 150-car entry list, with Verstappen fever prompting increased interest in the event.<\/p>\n<p>Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll will make his GT racing debut this weekend at the GTWCE season-opener at Paul Ricard.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Max Verstappen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> McLaren confirms Gianpiero Lambiase signing as Red Bull responds to shock F1 exit<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why Lance Stroll thinks winning is possible on his GT racing debut<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/xpb_1394990_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-706df988864bd02b33cdd03ba72ffbaf543c7555c07cad2f821ad3371d00d13f\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Duncan<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Head of Editorial<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<div>Lewis joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having been a journalist for five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network. In February of 2026, he became Head of Editorial.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-c41016930120599021b269f302965c82e95574400399f767e4b339cad1b073d3\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen&#8217;s &#8216;secret trick&#8217; GT rivals &#8220;would never have thought of&#8221; teased<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775736420\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603260165.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen has had little to smile about in F1 this year\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Verstappen\u2019s F1 future even more in doubt after Lambiase shock <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775727047\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202508310193.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase has engineered Verstappen throughout his Red Bull career\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Verstappen to lose right-hand man to McLaren bombshell report claims<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775716952\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase has been the voice in Verstappen's ear at Red Bull \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Outspoken race winner claims F1 \u201cdoesn\u2019t need\u201d Max Verstappen<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775636023\"> 08\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen has threatened to walk away from F1 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull insists &#8220;no discussions&#8221; about Max Verstappen&#8217;s F1 future &#8220;if we get a fast car&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775570400\"> 07\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290544.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen is not enjoying the new generation of F1 cars\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Damon Hill tells Max Verstappen &#8220;stop and do something else&#8221; amid F1 displeasure <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775376000\"> 05\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603280033.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen has continually been linked with Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Max Verstappen\u2019s GT outings at the Nurburgring will not include this weekend\u2019s NLS3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen will not take part in the latest round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie, scheduled for this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The four-time Formula 1 world champion made his GT racing debut last Autumn, taking part in NLS9 at the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife in an Emil Frey-run Ferrari.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen guided the Red Bull-liveried Ferrari to a maiden victory in his first time of asking, as he set his sights on a first appearance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours.<\/p>\n<p>Plans were put in place earlier this year to allow that to happen, with the Dutchman\u2019s Team Verstappen partnering with Winward Racing to run a Red Bull-backed Mercedes-AMG GT3.<\/p>\n<p>NLS organisers, following lobbying from Mercedes and Toto Wolff, moved NLS2 to the weekend between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix to allow Verstappen to compete.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>This was thought to be a requirement of his before committing to a 24 Hours entry.<\/p>\n<p>Partnering with Joules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, Verstappen qualified on pole for NLS2 last month and went on to help the No.3 car take victory.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a1777f0bb27ec002a78d173af479ff03ef5cdf03cae62e9566fb5d965576bbf0\">  Max Verstappen\u2019s father reacts to bombshell Gianpiero Lambiase exit   How Max Verstappen\u2019s F1 race engineer will fit in at McLaren <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, the car was later disqualified due to a tyre usage error.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What are Verstappen\u2019s Nurburgring plans in April?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Following the NLS2 race, Verstappen says he was evaluating an entry into NLS3, with F1\u2019s April Middle Eastern races cancelled due to the war in Iran.<\/p>\n<p>However, at the Japanese Grand Prix, he confirmed that he will not be taking part in NLS3 on Saturday 11 April.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f162b3ef8a836e49a90b617788634ebac31ab7f5b0b1455086fcd17e9cc17b65\">  Why Lambiase isn&#8217;t the only ace McLaren could play to lure Verstappen   McLaren confirms Gianpiero Lambiase signing as Red Bull responds to shock exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>This is because the No.3 Mercedes car he drove with Gounon and Juncadella is competing in the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>However, he will return to the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes for the Nurburgring 24 qualifiers on the weekend of 18-19 April, ahead of the 24-hour enduro in May.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen will tackle the qualifiers with Lucas Auer. Juncadella and Gounon will not be able to participate due to their FIA World Endurance Championship commitments at Imola.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours will feature a full 150-car entry list, with Verstappen fever prompting increased interest in the event.<\/p>\n<p>Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll will make his GT racing debut this weekend at the GTWCE season-opener at Paul Ricard.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen will not take part in the latest round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie, scheduled for this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The four-time Formula 1 world champion made his GT racing debut last Autumn, taking part in NLS9 at the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife in an Emil Frey-run Ferrari.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen guided the Red Bull-liveried Ferrari to a maiden victory in his first time of asking, as he set his sights on a first appearance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours.<\/p>\n<p>Plans were put in place earlier this year to allow that to happen, with the Dutchman\u2019s Team Verstappen partnering with Winward Racing to run a Red Bull-backed Mercedes-AMG GT3.<\/p>\n<p>NLS organisers, following lobbying from Mercedes and Toto Wolff, moved NLS2 to the weekend between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix to allow Verstappen to compete.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>This was thought to be a requirement of his before committing to a 24 Hours entry.<\/p>\n<p>Partnering with Joules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, Verstappen qualified on pole for NLS2 last month and went on to help the No.3 car take victory.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a1777f0bb27ec002a78d173af479ff03ef5cdf03cae62e9566fb5d965576bbf0\">  Max Verstappen\u2019s father reacts to bombshell Gianpiero Lambiase exit   How Max Verstappen\u2019s F1 race engineer will fit in at McLaren <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, the car was later disqualified due to a tyre usage error.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What are Verstappen\u2019s Nurburgring plans in April?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Following the NLS2 race, Verstappen says he was evaluating an entry into NLS3, with F1\u2019s April Middle Eastern races cancelled due to the war in Iran.<\/p>\n<p>However, at the Japanese Grand Prix, he confirmed that he will not be taking part in NLS3 on Saturday 11 April.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f162b3ef8a836e49a90b617788634ebac31ab7f5b0b1455086fcd17e9cc17b65\">  Why Lambiase isn&#8217;t the only ace McLaren could play to lure Verstappen   McLaren confirms Gianpiero Lambiase signing as Red Bull responds to shock exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>This is because the No.3 Mercedes car he drove with Gounon and Juncadella is competing in the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>However, he will return to the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes for the Nurburgring 24 qualifiers on the weekend of 18-19 April, ahead of the 24-hour enduro in May.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen will tackle the qualifiers with Lucas Auer. Juncadella and Gounon will not be able to participate due to their FIA World Endurance Championship commitments at Imola.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours will feature a full 150-car entry list, with Verstappen fever prompting increased interest in the event.<\/p>\n<p>Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll will make his GT racing debut this weekend at the GTWCE season-opener at Paul Ricard.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092944\/1\/why-max-verstappen-not-racing-nls3-weekend&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404374_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Why Max Verstappen is not racing in NLS3 this weekend Max Verstappen\u2019s GT outings at the Nurburgring will not include this weekend\u2019s NLS3 Lewis Duncan 10 Apr 2026 Share Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 2026 Japanese GP \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1875988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875988","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1875988"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875988\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}