Max Verstappen has revealed he intends to make a return to the Nurburgring 24 Hours race next year – provided his schedule permits. The four-time world F1 champion made his maiden appearance at the German circuit this weekend.
The race delivered numerous dramatic moments for his Mercedes team, sporting Red Bull branding. Verstappen had sensationally propelled the team into the lead on Saturday evening and they held onto that advantage heading into the morning.
The Dutchman completed a two-stint period before passing the baton to Daniel Juncandella. However, shortly into his stint, the driver experienced an issue with the car.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page
He managed to nurse it for several laps, before being compelled to dive into the pit. The issue with the driveshaft couldn’t be resolved quickly with the team plummeting down the order and eliminating them from contention.
After a couple of hours, the team were able to get the car back on the track for the final few minutes of the race.
Shortly following the handover and before the technical problem emerged, Verstappen shared his views on the race.
When asked if he will return next year, he said: “I will of course, try, it always depends a bit on my schedule, but let’s first enjoy now.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£44SkyGet the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
On his enjoyment of the race, he said: “In general, it’s just the competition, the endurance style racing where you share with teammates. The 24-hour race here, the track is super challenging, so it’s just the whole combo.”
His choice to take part in the race follows his candid remarks about the new F1 regulations introduced at the start of this season. “I love racing, but we can only take so much, right?” he has said.
“I think they are willing to listen, FIA and F1, I just hope of course that there is some action.
Article continues below
View 2 ImagesMax Verstappen’s car experienced some technical problems, putting an end his hope of a debut win at Nurburgring(Image: Christian Kaspar-Bartke, Getty Images)
“I mean it’s not that I’m the only one saying it, I think a lot are saying it, if it’s drivers, fans, we just want the best for the sport. It’s not like we are critical just to be critical, we are critical for a reason, we want it to be F1, proper F1 on steroids. Today that of course was again not the case.
“I would say the same if I would be winning races, because I care about the racing product. It’s not about being upset of where I am, because I’m actually fighting even more now, of course.”