The arrival of Max Verstappen at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring is causing historic excitement… but also several concerns in the paddock before the start of the event.
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The Nürburgring is about to experience a completely extraordinary weekend. For the first time in its history, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is sold out even before the festivities begin.
A phenomenon largely attributed to the presence of Max Verstappen, who will compete this weekend in his very first 24-hour race behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by Verstappen Racing.
For several months, the four-time F1 world champion has attracted immense attention around his GT program on the Nordschleife. But this exceptional popularity is also beginning to raise some internal concerns.
Naomi Schiff relays the paddock’s concerns
Consultant for Sky Sports F1 and a driver herself, Naomi Schiff explained that several competitors entered this weekend fear a particularly difficult edition to manage.
Guest on the podcast Up to Speed, Schiff acknowledged that Verstappen’s arrival represented great publicity for GT and endurance racing, while highlighting some logistical and sporting concerns.
“I am surprised there are so many people. Obviously, this comes from the Max Verstappen effect” she explains.
The consultant reveals having spoken with several drivers present on the grid, and the overall observation is the same: everyone is delighted with the media exposure brought by the Dutchman, but some also fear the consequences of such an influx.
Infrastructure under pressure
One of the main questions concerns the Nürburgring’s capacity to absorb a record number of spectators.
The Nordschleife traditionally already attracts hundreds of thousands of fans during the week of the 24 Hours, but the 2026 edition exceeds all usual forecasts.
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According to Naomi Schiff, several drivers are now questioning the management of infrastructure around the German circuit.
“They wonder if the facilities will be able to handle so many people” she emphasizes.
Between camping areas, traffic around the circuit, and general security, the organization could indeed be put to a severe test throughout the weekend.
More cars… and worrying weather
Another element fueling concerns: the large number of cars entered this year. With more competitors on track over the more than 25 kilometers of the Nordschleife, traffic already promises to be extremely complicated to manage, especially during the night.
And as if that were not enough, the weather forecast also predicts difficult conditions throughout the weekend.
Rain, fog, and cool temperatures could significantly increase the risk of accidents on a circuit already known as one of the most dangerous in the world.
“They fear many collisions” summarizes Schiff.
Verstappen at the center of all attention
Despite these concerns, Verstappen’s arrival is still seen as a major event for endurance and GT3. The Red Bull driver has already impressed during the first sessions by immediately showing a very competitive pace against the specialists of the discipline.
His involvement also helps to offer unprecedented global visibility to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, far beyond the usual circle of endurance enthusiasts.
But this massive popularity also turns this edition into a real full-scale test for the German organization, which will now have to manage one of the biggest events in its recent history.