Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has taken an important step toward extending his racing career beyond Formula 1 by securing an official driver categorisation from the FIA. This new designation as a Platinum driver paves the way for him to participate in a variety of motorsport events, including the World Endurance Championship and GT3 competitions.
The Platinum rating is vital for drivers who intend to compete in GT and sports car racing as it provides an official ranking system that helps balance competition fields where amateurs often compete alongside professionals. As an active Formula 1 driver, Verstappen was expected to qualify for the highest tier, but the categorisation is not automatic and required his formal application.
Verstappen confirmed his application during the Barcelona Grand Prix weekend, stating,
“I applied. I have to do it at some point, so I better got it out of the way. I mean, it’s super easy, it’s just a form that you fill in and you pay and a week later you have the answer.”
Understanding the Importance of FIA Driver Ratings for Sports Car Racing
The FIA driver categorisation plays a strategic role in the GT and endurance racing world. It ranks drivers to create a more equitable racing environment, particularly important in series like the World Endurance Championship and the GT World Challenge series worldwide. Most notably, the classification separates amateur racers from professional drivers to maintain competitive fairness.
Since ratings are evaluated individually by FIA officials rather than being automatic, Verstappen’s decision to seek his Platinum classification signals his intent to pursue racing beyond the F1 circuit. This step is considered essential for his future participation in prominent endurance and GT events.
Despite being rated at the top level, Verstappen joked,
“I was secretly hoping for a Bronze rating; I might appeal the Platinum and get Silver at least!”
highlighting the lighthearted side of the formal process.
Verstappen’s Experience with GT Racing and Preparations for Endurance Events
Amid his ongoing Formula 1 career, Verstappen has begun practical steps toward endurance racing by testing a Ferrari 488 GT3 on the demanding Nurburgring Nordschleife during an open practice session between the Miami and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix. According to the 27-year-old driver, he recorded a lap time that beat the existing record, working under Balance of Performance rules that level the playing field among competitors.
In addition to testing, Verstappen has a direct stake in GT racing through his own Verstappen.com Racing team. This squad currently competes in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3, driven by Harry King, Theirry Vermeulen, and Chris Lulham.
Reports suggest Verstappen aims to race at the prestigious Nurburgring 24 Hours event scheduled for June 21-22, positioned between the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix on the F1 calendar. However, FIA Platinum categorisation alone is not enough to compete in this grueling endurance race.
Additional Steps Required for Nurburgring 24 and Other Endurance Challenges
To race at the Nurburgring 24, drivers must hold a ‘Ring Permit,’ officially the DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN), which is granted only after successfully competing in events around the Nordschleife within a designated timeframe. This generally involves participation in the VLN series, which features various multi-class endurance races lasting four to six hours on the same track.
The 2025 VLN calendar includes eleven events, some of which exclude GT3 cars, like the ‘NLS Light’ race. Encouragingly, none of the full VLN races overlap with Verstappen’s F1 commitments, leaving the door open for him to develop the required experience.
Beyond the Nurburgring 24, Verstappen’s ambitions appear to include competing in other illustrious GT3 races such as the 24 Hours of Spa. Verstappen.com Racing is already entered in this event as a Gold category team, and insiders indicate the Dutchman is considering a personal racing role in future editions.
The Broader Significance of Verstappen’s Racing Expansion
Max Verstappen’s move to formalise his FIA Platinum driver rating is more than a procedural formality—it reflects a strategic step toward broadening his racing portfolio well beyond Formula 1. While his dominance on the current world championship stage remains undisputed, this rating provides him the credentials to join and compete seriously in endurance and GT racing, arenas that offer different challenges and opportunities.
His involvement in GT racing through Verstappen.com Racing, combined with track testing and the planned acquisition of a Nurburgring Ring Permit, signals a long-term commitment to sports car disciplines. Once fully integrated into these series, Verstappen could significantly raise their profile and competition level, attracting fans and sponsors alike.
As Verstappen balances both current F1 campaigns and future endurance aspirations, his evolving career trajectory showcases the versatility demanded of elite modern drivers aiming for racing excellence across multiple formats.
