Norris backs Verstappen for Nürburgring 24‑Hour after Nordschleife run

Lando Norris, the McLaren driver, has publicly thrown his weight behind Max Verstappen ahead of the upcoming 24‑hour endurance race at the Nürburgring after the British star completed a private test on the legendary Nordschleife. The test, part of a Pirelli tyre evaluation, left Norris buzzing, calling it the most enjoyable session of the season and pointing out the circuit’s unique blend of excitement and risk.

Why it matters:

• A driver’s endorsement can boost fan interest and media coverage for the Nürburgring 24‑Hour, an event that bridges F1 and GT racing.
• Norris’s enthusiasm highlights McLaren’s ongoing partnership with Pirelli and the value of real‑world data from one of motorsport’s toughest tracks.
• Verstappen’s participation gains additional credibility when praised by a fellow F1 competitor, underscoring the cross‑disciplinary appeal of endurance racing.

The details:

• Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri logged laps in a McLaren sports car, tackling both dry and wet sections of the Nordschleife.
• Norris called the circuit “the most fun I’ve had all year,” noting years of simulator work and Gran Turismo experience.
• He acknowledged the track’s danger, referencing a recent crash in the NLS 4 race, and stressed that accidents can happen on any circuit.
• Norris praised Verstappen’s recent GT outings, saying he’s “one of the best racers I’ve seen.”
• Piastri described the wet run as “very, very, very slippery,” admitting he barely used more than half throttle.
• Both drivers emphasized the unique character of the “Green Hell,” a place every racer wants to experience.

What’s next:

• Norris plans to watch the 24‑hour race, likely catching key moments rather than the full marathon.
• Verstappen’s performance will be scrutinized by F1 fans and could influence future cross‑disciplinary collaborations.
• McLaren may use insights from the Nordschleife test for tyre development and driver feedback on its F1 program.