Lando Norris and George Russell let loose in Max Verstappen slipstream

Lando Norris and George Russell have followed in Max Verstappen's footsteps by driving on the Nurburgring Nordschleife during a Pirelli tyre test at the legendary German circuit.

McLaren and Mercedes are assisting the Italian tyre supplier with a two-day dry-tyre test on April 14 and 15, marking the first Formula 1 action at the Nurburgring in six years, following the Eifel Grand Prix in 2020.

The test is taking place during F1's five-week break, created after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled due to security concerns related to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Whilst at the circuit, both Russell and Norris took the opportunity to sample the famed Nordschleife, the 20.8-kilometre track that hosted F1 until Niki Lauda's near-fatal crash in 1976 forced the sport's permanent departure.

Verstappen has been a regular competitor at the 'Green Hell' since making his GT3 debut there in September 2025.

The four-time drivers' champion most recently won the NLS2 race in March, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3, though he was later disqualified for a technical infringement. He is preparing for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May.

Russell, speaking after running on the modern grand prix circuit, revealed he had also ventured onto the Nordschleife.

"I've really enjoyed driving [on the grand prix circuit] this morning. I really love the Nurburgring," the six-time grand prix winner said.

"I also did a few laps on the Nordschleife as well. Really, really love that. It is, truly, a traditional, old-school circuit.

"I would love to be back racing here one day. And of course, we have no race in Germany at the moment, and with Mercedes, it would probably be nice to have one back on the calendar."

Norris was also filmed driving a McLaren sports car around the Nordschleife during the visit. Check it out below!

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