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Max Verstappen has made a swift return to the Nordschleife, taking part in a private test outing with a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in Germany’s freezing Eifel region.
The visit comes in the immediate aftermath of a difficult weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, where the four-time world champion endured an uncharacteristically subdued performance.
Hoping to replicate his 2025 Suzuka success, Verstappen instead found himself out of contention and crossed the line in eighth place. It marked a frustrating chapter in a campaign that has already prompted questions about his long-term future in Formula 1.
Shortly after the race, Verstappen admitted he was contemplating his F1 future. Reports have since suggested he could even choose to walk away at the end of the current season. The Dutchman has been openly critical of the new technical regulations, expressing clear dissatisfaction with the direction of the sport.
Max is already on track during the private testing in Nurburgring today! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dNw4sCduhg
— Ana 🦁 (@maxvcalloway) March 31, 2026
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his Formula 1 outlook, Verstappen has continued to pursue track time elsewhere. Earlier this month, he was disqualified from victory at NLS2. Now, he has returned once again to the legendary Nordschleife.
Images captured by a visitor at the circuit show Verstappen beside the track, running a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in Red Bull livery. Not one but two such cars were present during the session. The identity of the second driver has not been confirmed, though it is believed to be one of Verstappen’s team-mates — potentially Juncadella, Gounon or Auer.
Footage circulating from the test shows Verstappen back in action at one of motorsport’s most demanding venues, underlining that whatever questions may surround his Formula 1 future, his appetite for racing remains firmly intact.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.