P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff fights for Max Verstappen as race postponement request issued
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has reportedly advocated for Max Verstappen to debut in an iconic race in 2026. Verstappen will return to the F1 grid for the 2026 season opener with car number 3, following his loss in the 2025 driver’s title.
The reigning champion will be Lando Norris, and all 22 drivers will compete with cars built under new F1 technical regulations. The 2026 calendar includes back-to-back races in Australia and China, posing logistical challenges for Verstappen.
While Verstappen is committed to Red Bull until 2028, he has expressed interest in competing in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. Mercedes-AMG has requested to postpone a race to accommodate Verstappen’s potential entry in the Nurburgring event.
Discussions are ongoing to align the NLS race dates with F1’s schedule, with high-level figures like Mercedes-AMG CEO Ola Kallenius and Toto Wolff supporting the idea. Verstappen continues to train and prepare for various racing opportunities, including potential participation in the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
