Lando Norris Sets Aside F1 Rivalry to Back Max Verstappen at Nürburgring 24 Hours

Lando Norris, the McLaren driver who’s been vocal about the 2026 F1 car, says he’ll be cheering Max Verstappen as the Dutch champion tackles the Nürburgring 24‑Hour race. Norris recently drove a McLaren GT on the Nordschleife, calling the experience “the most fun I’ve had all year,” and he plans to keep a close eye on his rival’s endurance debut.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen’s foray into the Nürburgring 24 Hours lifts the event’s global profile and blurs the line between F1 and GT racing.
• Norris’s public backing marks a shift from on‑track rivalry to mutual respect among the sport’s top talents.

The details:

• The 24‑Hour race runs May 16‑17; Verstappen will share a Red Bull‑supported GT3 entry with seasoned endurance specialists.
• Norris tested the Nordschleife in a McLaren sports car, noting the circuit’s “scary and fun” nature and his familiarity from Gran Turismo and iRacing simulators.

What's next:

• Verstappen’s performance may feed technical insights back into Red Bull’s F1 programme.
• Norris hinted at future endurance outings, suggesting tighter links between McLaren’s F1 and GT divisions.