Image: from F1 Naija X @f1_naija
By Open Chronicle with agencies
The possibility of Max Verstappen returning to the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2027 has increased after organizers confirmed that the 55th edition of the legendary endurance race will take place during the final weekend of May, potentially leaving a gap in the Formula 1 calendar for the Dutch driver to compete once again at the iconic Nordschleife.
So far, Formula 1 has not scheduled a Grand Prix between May 27 and May 30, creating an opportunity for Verstappen Racing to make a comeback at one of motorsport’s most demanding endurance events.
Verstappen’s appearance at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours generated enormous attention across the motorsport world. The reigning Formula 1 champion shared the car with Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer as the quartet quickly established themselves among the leading contenders.
MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES THE LEAD OF THE 24 HOURS OF NÜRBURGRING AFTER A STUNNING DOUBLE OVERTAKE!! 🤯🔥#24hNBR | #24hNurburgring pic.twitter.com/MQnYE4C9eH
— Everything Formula (@evrythngformu1a) May 16, 2026
Starting from fourth position, the team rapidly moved into the lead during the early stages of the race. Verstappen himself completed a demanding double stint overnight before handing the car over to Gounon, while Auer managed the morning portion of the race.
The team had hoped Verstappen would return behind the wheel for the closing stages, but their challenge for victory ended dramatically with around three hours remaining after a driveshaft problem forced the car back into the pits.
Verstappen will be able to race in the Nürburgring 24 Hours again next year if he wishes
It is not expected to clash with a Formula 1 weekend📰 @ErikvHaren pic.twitter.com/OqCzT7rqZJ
— Holiness (@F1BigData) May 21, 2026
Although the team considered returning to the track for the final laps, any realistic chance of fighting for victory had already disappeared.
According to Dani Juncadella, a reunion for the 2027 edition will largely depend on Verstappen’s Formula 1 commitments and whether the calendar remains favorable.
“Everything has to align again,” Juncadella told GPblog.
Verstappen’s participation significantly boosted interest in the event and helped attract record crowds to the Nürburgring.
Organizers reported that attendance rose from 280,000 spectators in 2025 to approximately 352,000 fans during last weekend’s race, highlighting the enormous draw created by Verstappen’s presence.
Mercedes-AMG Motorsport also expressed satisfaction with its partnership alongside Verstappen Racing during the endurance event.
“Those 24 hours really felt much longer than that,” said Mercedes-AMG Motorsport boss Christoph Sagemüller in comments to GPblog following the race.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours, held on the famous Nordschleife circuit known as the “Green Hell,” remains one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, combining professional factory teams, GT machinery, and unpredictable conditions across a full day of racing.
Despite the growing optimism surrounding Verstappen’s possible return in 2027, the final Formula 1 calendar for that season has not yet been officially confirmed, meaning scheduling conflicts could still emerge.
For now, however, endurance racing fans are already beginning to speculate about another appearance from Formula 1’s dominant champion at one of motorsport’s toughest events.