MercedesTeam·Mercedes Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 driver George RussellPlayer·George Russell has openly shared his ambition to pursue the absolute lap record on the formidable Nürburgring NordschleifeVenue·Nürburgring Nordschleife. Russell confirmed he has engaged in discussions with MercedesTeam·Mercedes team principal Toto WolffCoach·Toto Wolff regarding a potential attempt to surpass the current benchmark, held by a PorscheTeam·Porsche prototype.
The absolute record for the Nordschleife stands at an impressive 5 minutes, 19.54 seconds, set by Timo BernhardPlayer·Timo Bernhard in the PorscheTeam·Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo in 2018. This prototype, freed from the constraints of its former LMP1 class, established a time that has remained unchallenged for eight years.
Russell's motivation has been notably influenced by recent events, including Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen's unofficial GT3 record on the 20-kilometre circuit last year. Verstappen completed the lap in 7 minutes, 45 seconds as part of his preparations for the 24 Hours of NürburgringCompetition·24 Hours of Nürburgring, a legendary endurance race held this weekend. Russell also cited watching a wet World Endurance Championship race at ImolaVenue·Imola as a source of inspiration.
“I watched Max’s race on the Nordschleife, and I also watched the wet WEC race at Imola, both of which were very good,” Russell stated. “I would definitely like to try the Nordschleife, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve driven there before, I have hundreds of laps on the simulator of the track, but I don’t know when I will start there.”
While Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen enjoys comprehensive support from Red BullTeam·Red Bull for his participation in GT racing, MercedesTeam·Mercedes' policy on such ventures has historically been more reserved. Russell acknowledged this difference, confirming his direct approach to the team's leadership.
“I tried once to talk to Toto about trying to break the absolute record with a Formula 1 car on the Nordschleife,” George Russell confirmed, though he did not disclose Wolff's response to the proposition.
Russell's connection to the Nürburgring is not new. In April 2026, he participated in PirelliTeam·Pirelli tyre tests at the circuit, expressing a strong affinity for the 'old-school' track and his hope for a future Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 race there. During these tests, Russell also completed several laps on the Nordschleife, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The track has seen other significant records recently, including the Mercedes-AMG ONETeam·Mercedes-AMG ONE setting a production car record of 6:29.090 minutes in 2024, and the track-only FordTeam·Ford GT Mk IV achieving a 6:15.977 minute lap for internal combustion engine cars in April 2026.
Looking ahead, Russell articulated a long-term aspiration tied to his career achievements. “I hope that when I also have four world titles, I will be able to race on the Nordschleife during the Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 season,” the Briton added, linking his ultimate Nordschleife ambition to future championship success.
George Russell driving his Mercedes F1 car at the Miami Grand Prix. UPI Photo/IMAGO
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