Helmut Marko tells Max Verstappen which race is ‘not on the agenda’ as Nurburgring event is confirmed

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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen decided that the perfect way to follow up his victory at the Italian Grand Prix was to make his GT4 debut at the Nordschleife.

Max Verstappen has always made it clear that he has racing ambitions beyond Formula 1.

The four-time drivers’ champion has felt the wrath of Helmut Marko in the past for his driving activities away from F1.

Marko banned Verstappen from sim racing at one point during race weekends after several late-night sessions, although this didn’t last very long.

Verstappen then gained the pseudonym Franz Hermann to take part in a private GT3 test earlier in the year.

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen then embarked on his mission to earn his Nordschleife permit, needed to eventually race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours race.

The Dutchman completed his mandatory 14 laps in his first car, but needed special permission to obtain his licence, as an issue with the second car meant he couldn’t complete all the requirements on the day.

Marko has now confirmed that Verstappen will be allowed to race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours next year, but has ruled out another iconic race being on his schedule.

READ MORE: Who is Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko? Everything to know

Helmut Marko says 24 Hours of Le Mans is not on Max Verstappen’s ‘agenda’

When asked if Verstappen will be allowed to compete in next year’s 24-hour race at the Nurburgring in an interview with sport.de, Marko confirmed: “Yes!”

“I think it’s great that a Formula 1 driver, who has many obligations besides racing – simulator, marketing and PR appointments – still finds the time for something like this with such enthusiasm.

“And then there’s this German procedure that requires a four-time world champion to prove that he can drive a 240 hp Porsche around the Ring, which is unique.

“But he took it all on board, even though he must have already done 1,000 laps of the Nurburgring in the simulator. So he didn’t come unprepared.

“The Nurburgring and the Nordschleife are, of course, something that fascinates every racer.

“When our car wasn’t competitive, that was his great passion. Now both are working. I’m sure he’ll compete, and he’ll be so well prepared that he’ll be in contention for the overall victory.”

Marko was then asked if Verstappen would be allowed to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and explained: “Le Mans is not on the agenda. Le Mans is a different story.

“The speed differences and the different categories are even greater there. For the time being: endurance racing only at the Nurburgring!”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

When is the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans and does it clash with Max Verstappen’s F1 schedule?

The 2026 Formula 1 schedule has now been announced, so Verstappen can begin to organise his activities away from racing for Red Bull.

The Nurburgring 24 Hours takes place on 15-17 May, between Miami and the Canadian Grand Prix.

There’s a large enough gap between the two events that Verstappen can do all of his F1 prep before jumping into a GT3 car.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place in the middle of June, on the same weekend as the last Barcelona Grand Prix.

If Red Bull are so far off the pace that Verstappen is out of contention by then, Marko might use racing at Le Mans as a bargaining chip to avoid him leaving the team.

McLaren did the same with Fernando Alonso and the Indy 500, but it looks like Verstappen will have to be patient before he takes on another iconic endurance event.