Max Verstappen makes history but announcement disappoints F1 fans | F1 | Sport

Motorsport fans who were hoping to turn up at the Nurburgring this weekend to see Max Verstappen compete in the famous circuit’s flagship event may have to prepare for disappointment. Organisers said they have been “overwhelmed” by the amount of interest in this year’s race as it was confirmed that weekend tickets have sold out for the first time ever.

And that is despite the fact that Verstappen has yet to actually secure his place on the grid for the 24-hour race. Disqualification at a race on the fearsome Nordschleife back in March, along with technical issues which hampered him in a qualifying event last month, mean the Dutchman will arrive at the Nurburgring this week knowing he is on his final chance to qualify.

But that has not deterred his fans who are set to flock to the Nurburgring in droves to cheer on the four-time Formula 1 world champion. While 24-hour race director Walter Hornung did not mention Verstappen by name, it is clear the megastar’s planned presence in the event has been the key factor behind a major uptick in interest.

Tickets have been limited for the first time ever, such has been the demand for a place in the grandstands. All weekend tickets have now been sold out, with the event’s website now only showing single-day tickets for Thursday, Friday and Sunday as still being available to purchase.

Hornung said: “We are, of course, delighted by the huge response from long-standing and new fans, who have literally overwhelmed us this year. At the same time, however, we are naturally working closely with the Nurburgring and the authorities to ensure an orderly and safe experience for all visitors. That is why, for the first time in the 50-year history of the 24h Nurburgring, we have had to limit the number of tickets.”

Organisers explained: “The reasons for this necessary restriction are primarily due to the limited capacity of car parks and camping areas at the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife. The busy traffic situation on the few access roads to the Ring also means that no further visitors can be accommodated, particularly on Saturday.”

With day tickets sold out for the Saturday, which is when the 24-hour race is scheduled to begin, organisers have also sent out an additional warning to those who might still be thinking of trying to get in on the day. “Anyone who has not yet secured a ticket valid for Saturday should, under no circumstances, drive to the Ring on Saturday and hope for the best,” a statement read.

Verstappen and his team-mates in the #3 Winward Racing car will hope to make it through the full qualifying gauntlet to secure his place on the starting grid, so he can enjoy the race he has been eyeing up for months. Regardless of what happens, he will be on a plane to Montreal a few days later as it’s back to the day job with the F1 Canadian Grand Prix.