Max Verstappen is confirmed to make his debut at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife after securing the necessary license on Friday. This opportunity arises as the Formula 1 circuit takes a break this weekend, allowing the four-time world champion to enter the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) for the first time.
Licensing Requirements and Entry Details for the NLS Race
Despite his status as one of the world’s leading race car drivers, Verstappen had to complete a specific course and pass a theory exam to be eligible for the NLS seventh round, part of a 10-race series. Upon meeting these requirements, he is set to compete in a four-hour endurance event on Saturday, driving a Porsche GT4 Cayman decked out in Verstappen.com Racing x Red Bull colors.
Alongside Verstappen will be Chris Lulham, a 22-year-old British racer currently competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance series for Verstappen.com Racing.
Verstappen’s Past Nurburgring Experience and License Goals
Earlier this year, Verstappen impressed during a test run at the Nordschleife, setting an unofficial lap record in a Ferrari 296 GT3 for the Swiss Emil Frey Racing team. However, he has yet to obtain the DMSB (Deutscher Motor Sport Bund) Permit Nordschleife, which is required to officially compete in the GT3 class on this demanding track.
To acquire the Permit A license, Verstappen must achieve two classified race results, entailing the completion of at least 14 laps and 20 percent of a race distance. Both results may be attained within a single race, allowing him to gain experience in various vehicles over the weekend.
This licensing system, introduced in 2015, aims to ensure that drivers experience the Nordschleife—often called “Green Hell”—in slower cars before progressing to faster classes.
Verstappen’s Aspirations for Endurance Racing at Nurburgring
Verstappen is pursuing Permit A with the intention to compete in the GT3 category eventually. He has expressed enthusiasm for tackling Nurburgring’s 24-hour race along with other endurance competitions at historic circuits worldwide.
Racing is not just my profession, but also my hobby,
Verstappen shared on his official website.
This weekend I am at the Nordschleife with the goal to qualify for the mandatory race permit needed to race here in a GT3 car, which I would love.
—Max Verstappen
The Nordschleife is at the top of my list of tracks I want to race on, as it’s extremely challenging and demanding, with its enormous length and tight historic layout. I can’t wait!
—Max Verstappen
Implications for Verstappen and the Nurburgring Series
Max Verstappen’s entry into the NLS highlights a cautious and thorough approach to expanding his racing portfolio beyond Formula 1. Securing the appropriate licensing on a circuit as challenging as the Nordschleife demonstrates his commitment to mastering endurance racing disciplines. His participation is likely to bring increased attention to the NLS series and may pave the way for future high-profile drivers to compete in endurance events on iconic European tracks.
