This weekend, Max Verstappen focused on earning his DMSB Permit A, the mandatory license for competing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in high-level vehicles, including the GT3 category. On Friday, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion took part in a theory test required for participation in the seventh round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS) scheduled for Saturday.
Race Experience and Licensing Challenges
In the race, Verstappen partnered with Chris Lulham of Verstappen.com Racing, driving a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS prepared by Lionspeed GP, with slightly reduced power. The plan was for Verstappen to complete at least fourteen laps across two cars, #89 and #980, during the four-hour event. While he met this target in car #980, damage sustained in qualifying prevented him from driving car #89. Consequently, Verstappen initially fell short of the full conditions for the DMSB Permit A.
Despite this, the DPN committee assessed the situation and decided to grant him the license based on his performance and circumstances.
Verstappen Reflects on His Nordschleife Debut
Looking back on his first race at the Nordschleife, Verstappen shared positive thoughts about the experience.
I’m happy that everything went smoothly and that I obtained the DMSB Permit Nordschleife. I had fun, but that’s always the case here,
he said, noting the variety of conditions he encountered, including managing traffic among faster and slower cars amid race regulations like ‘code 60’ neutralisation and multiple yellow flags.
I drove in the rain, on a dry track, and in between. I learned where there is more and less grip and did a start as well. It was nice to gain more experience on this circuit.
Upcoming Opportunities with New License
With the DMSB Permit A now secured, Verstappen will skip the upcoming NLS8 event but is set to participate in the ninth round of the Nürburgring endurance series in two weeks. This will allow him to compete legally in GT3 cars, likely piloting Emil Frey Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3, further solidifying his presence in endurance racing on this challenging track.
Verstappen’s Ambition for the Nürburgring 24 Hours
Holding the permit also clears Verstappen to enter the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours race, a prospect he finds highly appealing.
There is only one circuit like the Nordschleife,
he remarked.
It’s a challenging track: today we saw that on such a long lap it can be dry in one section while wet in another. The asphalt also varies depending on the place. That makes it difficult to connect everything together, and that’s what makes it so special. To race here for 24 hours in a GT3 car would be amazing.
The Significance of Earning the Max Verstappen Nurburgring License
Obtaining this license marks a major step in Verstappen’s racing career beyond Formula 1, granting him official clearance to compete in one of the world’s toughest and most iconic racing environments. His gradual immersion into endurance racing at the Nordschleife is expected to not only expand his skillset but also bring increased attention to these endurance series. This experience lays the groundwork for possible future participation in high-profile events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours, where his presence could raise the competition’s profile globally.
