Lando Norris drops Nürburgring hint after calling Nordschleife drive 'most fun all year'

Lando Norris has hinted he may one day race at the Nürburgring after describing a private lap of the Nordschleife in his McLaren 750S as "the most fun I've had all year." The admission comes as his world champion colleague Max Verstappen prepares to make his 24-hour race debut at the track this weekend, fueling speculation that more F1 drivers could be drawn to the 'Green Hell'.

Why it matters:

Norris's comments signal a growing appetite among current F1 stars for the raw, unpredictable challenge of the Nordschleife — a contrast to the increasingly regulated and battery-dependent nature of modern Formula 1. If Norris follows through, it would add another marquee name to the Nürburgring's endurance legacy and further blur the line between F1 and GT racing.

The details:

• Norris drove the 20.8 km Nordschleife during a Pirelli tyre test for McLaren in the spring break. He says the experience was both "scary and fun."
• He admitted he has long known the track from simulators like Gran Turismo and iRacing, calling it "one of those tracks that everyone wants to drive."
• The timing of Norris's hint is notable: he also expressed frustration with current F1 regulations, calling them "not to the level that Formula 1 should still be at" and arguing that the sport needs to "get rid of the battery" to fix overtaking and driving feel.
• Verstappen will contest the 24 Hours of Nordschleife this weekend, and Norris said he will be "tuning in" to support the Dutchman, whom he "greatly respects."

What's next:

Norris hasn't committed to any specific race entry, but his enthusiasm and Verstappen's debut could open the door. With the current F1 generation increasingly vocal about the lack of driver involvement in racecraft, the Nordschleife offers a pure, unfiltered challenge. A Norris appearance in future Nürburgring events — whether a 24-hour race or a smaller event — would be a major draw for fans and a sign that F1's top talents still crave the most demanding circuits on Earth.