This weekend, the motorsport world is buzzing with excitement as four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen makes a thrilling return to the legendary Nurburgring for the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). The Dutch sensation will be competing in the 58th ADAC Barbarossa Prize, stepping into the cockpit of the No.3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing AMG GT3 EVO. After the cancellation of the season opener due to harsh winter conditions, this race marks the much-anticipated kickoff of Verstappen’s 2026 racing season.
Verstappen’s racing team has undergone a significant transformation ahead of this year’s competition, embracing a new name and switching to Mercedes machinery. This strategic shift comes as they gear up for their entry into the pro class of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe, making their participation in the NLS2 event crucial. With a staggering 136-car entry list, the competition will be fierce, and Verstappen, alongside his talented teammates Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, is ready to make a statement.
Fans eager to witness Verstappen in action can catch every exhilarating moment of the race weekend. The full schedule for the 58th ADAC Barbarossa Prize unfolds on Saturday, March 21. Qualifying kicks off at 8:30 AM local time (CET), which translates to 7:30 AM GMT, 3:30 AM ET, 12:30 AM PT, and 2:30 AM CT. The race itself is set to begin at noon local time (CET), with UK viewers tuning in at 11 AM GMT, while fans in the US can catch it at 7 AM ET, 4 AM PT, or 6 AM CT. This four-hour race will see the Verstappen Racing trio trading places throughout the event, ensuring a dynamic and engaging performance.
For those who can’t miss a second of the action, Verstappen’s race will be streamed live on GPFans, with the broadcast starting at approximately 11:15 AM CET (10:15 AM GMT) on Saturday, March 21. Additionally, fans can follow the race on the official NLS YouTube channel, where they’ll find live timings and onboard feeds available on the NLS website, allowing them to track Verstappen’s every move around the challenging 21-kilometer track.
As for the weather, it appears that nature is on the athletes’ side this weekend. The forecast promises clear skies and sunshine, with a zero percent chance of rain throughout the day. However, temperatures will remain brisk, starting at a chilly four degrees Celsius during qualifying and rising to a comfortable 10 degrees Celsius by race time. With gentle winds of seven miles per hour and humidity levels well within tolerable limits, the conditions are shaping up to be ideal for a thrilling day of racing.
As the engines roar to life at the Nurburgring, all eyes will be on Verstappen, who is not just racing for victory but also for glory in a new chapter of his racing career. Fans and competitors alike are on the edge of their seats, ready for what promises to be an unforgettable event.
