Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will remain active on track this month despite the cancellation of two grands prix, taking advantage of an unexpected gap in the racing calendar to compete in alternative events.
Formula 1 confirmed that the scheduled rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia—originally set for April 10–12 and April 17–19—have been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As a result, the championship will resume at the Miami Grand Prix, taking place from May 1–3. The decision creates a five-week interval between the Japanese Grand Prix and the next race weekend in the United States.
While the extended break may offer some drivers time to recharge, Verstappen has opted to stay sharp through competition. On Sunday, April 12—the date he was initially due to contest the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix—the Dutchman will instead participate in a special sim racing event at the Nürburgring.
The online race, hosted by Verstappen’s esports outfit, Verstappen Sim Racing (formerly known as Team Redline), will take place on the iRacing platform. The event has been organized to celebrate a significant milestone for the team, which recently surpassed 500,000 followers on Twitch. With no Formula 1 commitments that weekend, Verstappen is free to join the celebration and compete virtually at one of motorsport’s most iconic circuits.
However, the simulator appearance is only part of a busy April schedule. Verstappen is also preparing to return to real-world GT competition at the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on April 18–19. The event serves as a key preparatory step ahead of his anticipated debut in the prestigious 24-hour race later this year.
Originally, the qualifier weekend clashed with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, preventing Verstappen from participating. The revised F1 calendar has now opened the door for him to compete, allowing valuable track time in GT machinery as he builds experience at the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The development underlines Verstappen’s commitment to broadening his motorsport portfolio beyond Formula 1. Rather than viewing the cancelled races as downtime, the reigning champion is using the opportunity to refine his skills across both virtual and endurance racing disciplines.
With Miami marking the next chapter of the 2026 F1 season, Verstappen’s April schedule ensures he will remain race-ready—whether on the simulator or tackling one of the world’s most challenging circuits in GT competition.