TITLE: Nürburgring instructor apologises for calendar change to accommodate Verstappen
Andreas Gülden, a driving instructor at the Nürburgring Driving Academy, has issued an apology following the controversial calendar reshuffling of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. The schedule adjustment, which moved the NLS2 race from 28 March to 21 March, was designed to create a window in the Formula 1 calendar that would allow four-time world champion <a href="https://f1place.com/Ferrari-and-hamilton-fastest-in-barcelona-without-push-laps/”>Max Verstappen to compete at the legendary German circuit. Despite acknowledging the inconvenience caused to regular competitors and fans, Gülden maintains that securing the participation of an active F1 superstar of Verstappen’s calibre justifies the disruption. The rescheduled date now falls between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, creating logistical challenges for many but opening the door for one of motorsport’s biggest stars to tackle the Nordschleife once again.
Calendar reshuffle creates rare opportunity
The decision to alter the NLS calendar was not taken lightly by the organisers, who faced the complex task of finding a suitable date within Verstappen’s packed Formula 1 schedule. The new 21 March slot represents one of the few available windows in the 2025 season, though it creates a tight turnaround between the Chinese Grand Prix on 16 March and the Japanese Grand Prix on 30 March. This compressed timeframe presents significant logistical hurdles for Verstappen and his team, requiring careful coordination of travel arrangements and preparation time.
For Gülden, who spends virtually all his time at the circuit, the adjustment presents minimal personal disruption. The instructor has been vocal in his support for the calendar change, viewing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the Nordschleife to a global audience. The presence of an active F1 world champion competing in endurance racing remains exceptionally rare in modern motorsport, making Verstappen’s potential participation a landmark moment for the series.
Impact on loyal fanbase and competitors
The sudden schedule modification has created genuine difficulties for the championship’s dedicated following. Many fans had already booked accommodation for the original 28 March date, and the two-week shift has forced them to rearrange travel plans or potentially miss the race entirely. Hotel reservations, flight bookings, and work schedules all require adjustment, creating frustration among the series’ core supporters who attend multiple rounds throughout the season.
Gülden acknowledges these complications but believes the tradeoff will ultimately prove worthwhile. “It really is nothing better, and of course I’m incredibly sorry for everyone who now has to move their hotel reservations,” Gülden explained in an interview with Mennem. “But it is what it is, and I think if you really think about it, everyone can understand.” The instructor’s perspective reflects the broader calculation made by series organisers: short-term inconvenience exchanged for long-term promotional value and increased international visibility.
Regular NLS competitors face their own challenges, with teams needing to adjust testing schedules, parts procurement, and crew availability. The mid-season nature of the change has compressed preparation timelines, though most teams have accepted the modification given the potential media attention Verstappen’s participation would generate.
Verstappen’s proven Nordschleife credentials
The four-time world champion is no stranger to the demanding 25-kilometre Nordschleife circuit. Last year, Verstappen partnered with his protégé Chris Lulham to win the ninth round of the NLS season, the 57th ADAC Barbarossapreis, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 entered by Emil Frey Racing. That victory demonstrated Verstappen’s remarkable adaptability beyond Formula 1, showcasing his natural talent on one of motorsport’s most challenging circuits.
Gülden himself has served as Verstappen’s instructor during private sessions at the circuit, giving him firsthand insight into the Dutch driver’s approach and skill level on the Nordschleife. This relationship has undoubtedly influenced Gülden’s enthusiasm for facilitating Verstappen’s return to the championship.
Verstappen’s ability to extract maximum performance from GT3 machinery immediately impressed paddock insiders during his 2024 appearance, suggesting he could become a regular threat at the circuit if his F1 commitments allow future participation.
Verstappen Racing’s technical partnership
Reports indicate Verstappen plans to compete under his own team banner, Verstappen Racing, rather than as a guest driver with an established squad. The team currently competes in the GT World Challenge Europe, having recently switched from the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. This same Mercedes machinery is expected to form the basis of Verstappen’s NLS2 entry, providing technical continuity between his championship campaign and his Nordschleife outing.
Verstappen Racing typically operates without its own engineering staff, instead receiving technical support from 2 Seas Motorsport for its GT World Challenge programme. However, sources suggest the NLS2 effort will involve Winward Racing, a specialist Mercedes-AMG squad with extensive GT3 experience and strong Nürburgring credentials. This partnership would provide Verstappen with proven technical expertise specifically tailored to the unique demands of the Nordschleife.
The collaboration with Winward Racing represents a strategic choice, leveraging the team’s deep knowledge of both the Mercedes platform and the circuit’s specific setup requirements.
Pathway to the 24-hour race
Gülden and other observers view the NLS2 race as potential preparation for an even more ambitious goal: Verstappen competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring later in 2025. The twice-around-the-clock endurance classic represents one of motorsport’s most demanding challenges, requiring not just raw speed but also consistency, racecraft in mixed conditions, and the physical endurance to maintain performance over multiple stints.
Participation in NLS2 would provide valuable recent race experience on the circuit, helping Verstappen and his team gather crucial data on setup preferences, tyre management strategies, and traffic navigation specific to the Nordschleife. The knowledge gained during a four-hour race would prove invaluable when tackling the 24-hour format.
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring attracts a stronger field than regular NLS rounds, with factory-supported teams from major manufacturers fielding their fastest drivers. Verstappen’s presence would add further star power to an already prestigious entry list, potentially attracting increased media coverage and international viewership for an event that deserves wider recognition beyond Germany’s borders.
Commercial value justifies disruption
From a pure business perspective, the calendar modification makes considerable sense for the championship organisers. Verstappen’s global profile as a four-time F1 world champion guarantees substantial media attention, introducing the NLS to audiences who might never otherwise encounter the series. The promotional value of his participation extends far beyond the single race, potentially attracting new sponsors, competitors, and fans for future seasons.
Gülden articulates this perspective clearly: “It’s good for us, good for the Nürburgring and above all good for all Nordschleife fans to spread the passion all over the world.” The instructor recognises that while local disruption creates short-term frustration, the international exposure benefits the entire German motorsport ecosystem. Increased visibility for the Nordschleife reinforces its status as a bucket-list destination for driving enthusiasts worldwide.
The precedent of accommodating elite drivers could also encourage other F1 competitors to explore similar opportunities during their limited breaks from grand prix racing, enriching both championships.
