Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is set for a busy weekend at the Nrburgring as he returns to the legendary Nordschleife circuit to compete in two endurance races the NLS4 and NLS5. With the F1 calendar paused in April following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, Verstappen has taken the opportunity to expand his experience in GT3 machinery by participating in the Nrburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), widely regarded as one of the most challenging endurance racing series in the world.

Verstappen will race under his own team banner, Verstappen Racing, piloting a Red Bull-liveried Mercedes-AMG GT3. He will be partnered with Lucas Auer, the seasoned endurance driver and nephew of former F1 racer Gerhard Berger. Together, they will compete in a 37-car GT3 field at The Green Hell, the nickname given to the infamous Nrburgring Nordschleife due to its grueling 25-kilometre layout and unpredictable weather conditions.

This weekends double-header serves as crucial preparation for Verstappens anticipated participation in the prestigious Nrburgring 24 Hours race this May. It marks his third and fourth appearances in the NLS series. His debut last September was triumphant he claimed victory in a Ferrari 296 GT3 shared with British driver Chris Lulham. In his most recent outing, Verstappens Mercedes crossed the finish line first, but the result was overturned due to a technical infringement involving an excess of permitted tyres.

Fans can watch both races live on Sky Sports. The NLS4 race stream begins on Saturday at 4:00 pm BST, with the race starting at 4:30 pm. On Sunday, coverage of NLS5 starts at 11:30 am, leading into the noon race start. Both events will be broadcast live on skysports.com and the Sky Sports app, offering free streaming access.

Formula 1 action resumes shortly after with the Miami Grand Prix on May 13, which will be the seasons second Sprint weekend, also live on Sky Sports F1. For Verstappen and Red Bull, this NLS foray represents not only a personal challenge but also a strategic step in maintaining peak racing sharpness outside the F1 calendar.