24 Hours of Nürburgring changes regulations ahead of Max Verstappen debut

Verstappen set for Nordschleife challenge

Max Verstappen will make his long-awaited debut at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring next month, taking on one of endurance racing’s most formidable challenges.

His participation comes at a pivotal moment for the race itself, with organisers confirming sweeping regulatory changes for the 2026 edition — most notably a complete overhaul of the qualifying format.

A new qualifying structure inspired by F1

The most significant change centres on qualifying. The previous two-session time trial format, in place until 2025, has been replaced by a three-stage system closely resembling Formula 1.

From 2026 onwards, qualifying will be divided into Top-Q1, Top-Q2 and Top-Q3, with the premier classes — including Verstappen’s squad — eligible for the top-tier sessions.

A maximum of six cars can secure a direct berth in Top-Q3 through pre-event qualification. Advancement will be determined using results from the opening three NLS races and April’s 24h Nürburgring Qualifier.

In NLS competition, one starting place will go to the quickest driver across all qualifying sessions, with two additional spots awarded to the fastest performers in race conditions. The Qualifier contributes one position for the team setting the fastest lap across regular qualifying and Top Qualifying for pole position, while the quickest race laps from both encounters will also secure advancement.

The six-car Top-Q3 field is completed during Friday qualifying on the 24 Hours weekend. Top-Q1 features all starting-qualified cars not yet through to Top-Q3, with already-qualified entries permitted — but not required — to participate out of competition.

From Top-Q1, 20 cars progress to Top-Q2, where they compete in individual time trial segments for a place in Top-Q3. Both sessions last 35 minutes, before a maximum of 12 cars fight for pole position in the final phase.

Race director Walter Hornung explained the rationale behind the overhaul: "We opted for the new format because we wanted to make the process more understandable and transparent for the fans."

Light panels to support flag signals

In addition to the qualifying revamp, the event will introduce expanded use of light panels to support traditional marshal flag signals.

Currently deployed during evening hours, the system will now also be used in daytime conditions. From 2026, 28 display panels will be installed around the Nordschleife, with a further eight units positioned on the GP circuit.

The light panels will supplement — not replace — marshal flags, which will retain precedence.

Hornung confirmed the system has already been tested: "We tested this system during the second NLS race in 2026. It was very well received by the drivers and track marshals who have to work with it."

Grid capped at 150 teams

Interest in the 2026 race has reached such levels that the long-standing 150-team entry limit has been fully met — a rarity in recent years.

With demand exceeding capacity, organisers have implemented an evaluation and selection process after the registration deadline. The assessment considers class balance as well as the technical and sporting quality of teams and cars, reflecting the race’s wide spectrum — from production-based machinery to high-performance GT3 contenders.

A replacement procedure is in place should accepted teams withdraw, allowing previously ineligible entrants to step in.

The 54th edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring begins at 3:00 PM local time on Saturday, 16 May 2026, with qualifying sessions scheduled for 18–19 April.

As Verstappen prepares to add the Nordschleife to his racing portfolio, the event itself enters a new era — one shaped by greater transparency, enhanced visibility, and unprecedented demand.