Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen competed in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race in Germany over the weekend. The Dutchman’s team led the race for several hours, but eventually finished down in 38th due to a broken driveshaft. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. There has been widespread
speculation that Antonelli, 19, could follow Verstappen into competing at the Nurburgring after the teenage sensation revealed he would like to obtain his Nordschleife permit “by the end of the year”. This permit is a mandatory racing license required to compete in major motorsport events on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The comment raise eyebrows given Antonelli is only in his second year in F1 — where he is leading the Drivers’ Championship after three wins from the opening four races. But Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley
Lord has poured cold water on the idea of Antonelli’s Nurburgring debut. Speaking to Nitro at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, the Silver Arrows’ boss was asked if he would allow Antonelli to obtain the permit this year, to which he replied: “No. I’ve spoken to him about it. I think he meant it more as a joke.” With a smile, Lord went on to jovially suggest Antonelli may “give it a try after four world championships,” referencing Verstappen’s recent move. Verstappen’s decision to explore other
ventures comes after voicing his disapproval at F1’s 2026 regulations — which he likened to “Mario Kart”. By contrast, Antonelli’s Mercedes team are thriving under having won all four races this season. George Russell claimed the opening win in Australia, but Antonelli has roared back to take successive victories in China, Japan and Miami. It means heading into this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix that Antonelli boasts a 20-point lead over George Russell, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc a further 21 points back. Mercedes also already have
a 70-point advantage over Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship.
Max Verstappen, Nürburgring 24 Hours, broken driveshaft, Andrea Antonelli, Nordschleife permit, Mercedes, Bradley Lord, Canadian Grand Prix, Drivers' Championship, Constructors' Championship, George Russell, Charles Leclerc