Sky Sports Pundit Naomi Schiff Recalls Terrifying Fog at Nürburgring 24 Hours

Sky Sports F1 pundit Naomi Schiff has opened up about a "terrifying" experience from the 2018 Nürburgring 24 Hours, as the legendary Nordschleife prepares to host the 2026 edition this weekend. Schiff, who finished second in the Cup-X class driving a KTM X-Bow GT4, recalled battling thick fog that turned the track into a white wall.

Why it matters:

The Nürburgring's unpredictable and extreme conditions pose a unique challenge even for seasoned drivers. With four-time world champion Max Verstappen making his 24-hour race debut this weekend, Schiff's story underscores the mental and physical demands of the event — especially when visibility drops to zero.

The details:

• Schiff described driving a nine-and-a-half minute lap in fog so dense that the final straight, Döttinger Höhe, became "like driving into a white wall." She had never driven the track in rain before that stint, adding to the pressure.
• Rapid changes: On the next lap, the fog had completely cleared, leaving drivers uncertain what to expect at each corner. The race was eventually red-flagged.
• Verstappen enters the 2026 race amid high expectations, but faces numerous hurdles: a likely wet forecast, lack of night driving experience on the circuit, and the sheer complexity of multi-class traffic.

What's next:

The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours takes place this weekend. All eyes will be on Verstappen's performance, but the weather could play a decisive role. As Schiff's memory shows, the Nordschleife demands constant adaptation — and respect.