Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of his era, faced unexpected scrutiny when attempting to earn his Nürburgring licence. Despite his elite status, officials at the Nürburgring insisted that Verstappen meet the same standards as any other competitor to qualify for the Nürburgring 24 Hours next year, requiring him to compete in GT4 machinery and prove his abilities on the daunting circuit.
Verstappen’s reputation in Formula 1 positions him among the best drivers ever to have raced. F1 is considered motor racing’s apex, featuring the most advanced cars and an exceptionally talented driver field, where pure skill prevails over financial or political influence. Verstappen distinguishing himself amidst this elite competition showcases a rare level of aptitude.
However, officials recognized that mastery in F1 does not automatically guarantee readiness for endurance GT racing. GT racing, especially the type contested at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, presents a contrasting environment where amateurs and wealthy enthusiasts share the track driving exotic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. The challenges here go beyond pure speed, requiring adaptability to multi-class racing and significant power disparities among vehicles.
The Distinctive Landscape of GT Racing at the Nürburgring
GT racing has evolved into a customer-driven sport primarily centered around GT3 and GT4 classes. Under the management of Stephane Ratel, these competitions have grown over the past decade by offering customer racing opportunities where privateers can purchase and race factory-developed cars. The Balance of Performance system attempts to equalize vehicles from different manufacturers, leveling the playing field for all competitors.
GT3 cars, faster and more aerodynamic, have sometimes proved difficult for amateur drivers to handle, while GT4 machines are less expensive and more manageable, fostering broader participation. When Verstappen clocked an impressive lap time in a Cayman GT4, beating his nearest rival by 25 seconds, it underlined his exceptional driving prowess in a class designed for balancing accessibility with performance.
Still, despite this outstanding showing, Nürburgring officials were correct not to grant Verstappen immediate entry to the 24 Hours GT3 class. The Nürburgring 24 Hours race is unlike typical circuits or events, spanning more than 25 kilometers of perilous road and featuring a vast performance gap among competing cars each year.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours: A Unique Challenge Demanding Specific Qualification
The DMSB Permit, commonly called a Ring Licence, certifies a driver’s competence and experience necessary to race safely at the Nürburgring, a notoriously challenging track often called the Green Hell. Unlike more traditional events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring 24 Hours features a more extreme mix of car classes and driver abilities, increasing the risks associated with traffic management during the race.
Where the World Endurance Championship’s Le Mans sees a performance hierarchy from GT3 to Hypercar, the Nürburgring 24 Hours places GT3 cars at the top, with a bottom tier including much slower vehicles like older BMW models. In the 2023 event, pole position in a GT3 Audi R8 was set by factory Audi driver Christopher Haase, with a lap time 2 minutes and 50 seconds faster than the slowest qualifier—a staggering difference exceeding 25% spread across the grid.
The wide disparity in lap times among cars of drastically different speeds is precisely why the Ring Licence exists. It is designed not to exclude naturally gifted drivers like Verstappen but to ensure that entrants possess the experience required to safely coexist with a broad range of machinery and driving skill levels on this demanding course.
Gaining Experience: Verstappen’s Path to the Required Permit
After passing the theoretical portion of the Ring Licence test, Verstappen was initially not awarded the Grade A permit that would have allowed him to start in GT3 cars. Instead, he received a Grade B permit, enabling him to race only in slower GT4 cars at Nürburgring events. This phase allowed him to gain valuable experience in navigating the track’s unique challenges, such as managing traffic from both slower and faster competitors and understanding the circuit’s nuances.
Subsequently, a committee reviewed Verstappen’s performance and was convinced he deserved leniency based on his elite-level driving skills. While some interpreted the waiting period as an obstruction, it was, in reality, a prudent approach ensuring Verstappen was fully prepared to compete safely and effectively at the Nürburgring’s highest level.
As one observer noted,
“It was not about whether Verstappen was good enough, it was ensuring he has all the tools and experience he needs to keep himself safe from the unpredictable amateur competition he’ll be lapping at breakneck speeds.”
This meticulous process reflects the seriousness with which the Nürburgring officials treat safety and sporting fairness.
Looking Forward: Verstappen’s Future at the Nürburgring 24 Hours
Max Verstappen’s successful completion of the licencing process means that he is set to participate in the Nürburgring 24 Hours next year, scheduled for May 14-17, a date conveniently placed between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix on the Formula 1 calendar. The experience gained racing in GT4 cars has prepared him to tackle the circuit’s complexities and to compete in the GT3 class, featuring the fastest cars in the field.
This development represents a noteworthy example of a reigning Formula 1 world champion stepping into endurance GT racing, illustrating the distinct skillsets and procedural requirements unique to the Nürburgring 24 Hours. It also highlights the careful balance between talent recognition and rigorous safety protocols at one of the world’s toughest circuits.
