Following his remarkable victory and record-setting lap at the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is turning his attention to a new challenge this weekend at the Nurburgring in Germany. The four-time Formula 1 champion, taking a rare break from the intense F1 schedule, aims to make a significant step in endurance racing under his own name after previously testing as Franz Hermann in a Ferrari 296 GT3.
The 27-year-old Dutch driver plans to make his endurance debut on the demanding Nordschleife track, with hopes of earning permission to compete in an NLS race scheduled for Saturday, September 13. However, to qualify for this race, Verstappen must first pass a theory exam on Friday, highlighting that his success in Formula 1 doesn’t automatically grant him immediate entry.
The Licensing Process to Compete at the Nordschleife
Verstappen’s entry into the endurance race depends on obtaining an A Permit from the German Motorsport Federation, required for Sunday’s competition. Initially, he must pass a classroom exam to earn a category B permit, allowing him to race a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS on Saturday. Securing at least two classified race results over a minimum of 14 laps could upgrade him to the A Permit, enabling participation in the top-tier NLS class.
Alternatively, the race panel may decide after just one Saturday race if Verstappen demonstrates sufficient skill to advance, potentially allowing him to compete on Sunday in the Ferrari 296 GT3 with Emil Frey Racing. This opportunity is the main objective for Verstappen but will be undertaken under his real identity, not the alias previously used during testing.
That will afford him a category B permit. So he could drive in the Porsche Cayman in his GT4 CS. If he gets two results, he gets his A permit. Unless the panel decides in one race he’s good enough, in which case he’ll then get to drive the Ferrari 296 GT3 on the second day, but not under his alias as Franz Hermann, he has to do it as Max Verstappen to get the permit,
explained Lazenby.
Verstappen’s Determination Wins Admiration from Peers
The theory exam and subsequent race qualifications represent unfamiliar ground for Verstappen, even as a dominant figure in Formula 1. When questioned about his own experience gaining a German racing permit, 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg admitted he had never obtained one but expressed respect for the Dutchman’s drive to push his limits.
No. I’ve never done it and I don’t have a permit,
Rosberg said, before adding,
Nevertheless, I find it so awesome that he’s doing this, it’s incredible. Like all of us other drivers with 24 races, you’re just like maxed out and all you can think of is doing some home time. Home time with a bit of training, routine, see the kids, and he goes off to go in to a classroom to get a license to then drive in the B class on the Saturday, and then hopefully make it to the A class by the Sunday. Unbelievable. That’s so cool.
Rosberg also emphasized the global attention Verstappen’s attempt is attracting.
The whole world will be watching this and even I’ll be tuning in on Sunday to see how he’s going because I think there’s been so much talk about his lap record from five months ago, of course he can do the lap record. He’s the most talented race car driver in the whole world and it doesn’t matter what car he gets into, he will drive faster than anybody else in the world.
Implications of Verstappen’s Endurance Racing Challenge
Max Verstappen’s decision to tackle the Nordschleife endurance test underscores his relentless passion for racing beyond Formula 1. Successfully earning the A Permit and competing at the NLS event would mark a new chapter in his career, expanding his reputation into endurance motorsports on one of the world’s most demanding circuits.
This challenge comes amid growing anticipation around his next moves, especially following ongoing scrutiny from the FIA and recent on-track battles involving key rivals like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Verstappen’s performance in this demanding test could influence his standing within broader motorsport circles and set the stage for potential future appearances beyond F1.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on the Nurburgring, where Verstappen’s determination, skill, and adaptability will face their next crucial examination.
