Max Verstappen has obtained the necessary Nürburgring license, known as Permit A, enabling him to participate in endurance races at the famed German circuit. The Dutch racing champion secured this qualification over the weekend during a Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) event at the Nordschleife, officially paving the way for his entry into the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours race.
The Permit A, often called the Ring License, is required for drivers to compete in the demanding multi-class endurance events at the Nürburgring. By completing the permit process, Verstappen can now officially race in full endurance competitions, including the highly anticipated 24-hour race in May next year, scheduled during an F1 break.
Verstappen’s Nürburgring Performance and Permit Qualification
To secure his Permit A, Verstappen first passed a classroom theory examination on Friday, after which he participated in the NLS7 race on Saturday. Driving a power-restricted Porsche 718 Cayman alongside teammate Chris Lulham, Verstappen excelled by winning his CUP3 (G) category and finishing seventh overall among similar restricted CUP3 cars. This strong finish, combined with his completion of 14 racing laps in a challenging multi-class field, convinced race officials to award him the permit.
The success demonstrated Verstappen’s ability to navigate the complexities of traffic and varying vehicle speeds on the demanding Nordschleife layout, reinforcing his readiness for endurance racing at this level. Earlier this year, he also tested a Ferrari GT3 car at the Nürburgring, with the permit now allowing him to race such vehicles in official competition.
Helmut Marko Confirms Verstappen’s Participation and Endurance Prospects
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor and Verstappen’s longtime mentor, expressed strong confidence that Verstappen will race at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours and contend for victory. Marko praised the four-time Formula 1 World Champion’s enthusiasm for racing outside of F1 commitments, which often restrict drivers from taking on additional risks.
I think it’s great that a Formula 1 driver, who has many obligations besides racing – simulator, marketing and PR appointments – is still taking the time for something like this with such enthusiasm,
Marko told Germany’s RTL.
The Nürburgring and the Nordschleife are, of course, something that fascinates every racer.
At a time when our car was not competitive, it was his great passion. Now both are working.
Marko emphasized his certainty about Verstappen’s future participation, stating,
I’m sure he’ll compete – and he’ll be in contention for the overall victory.
Verstappen’s License Journey and Reaction from Motorsport Figures
Despite his world-class credentials, Verstappen received no special treatment in obtaining the Nurburgring Permit A. He was required to prove his capabilities by racing in a lower-powered class, which some, including former Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher, found surprising and, in Schumacher’s opinion, somewhat embarrassing.
It’s unique that a four-time world champion has to prove that he can drive a 240-horsepower (sic) Porsche around the Ring,
said Helmut Marko, who also noted Verstappen’s persistence despite extensive simulator experience:
But he took it all on, even though he’s probably already done 1,000 laps in the simulator.
The rigorous approach by Nürburgring officials underscores the license’s importance and the track’s challenging nature, ensuring that all competitors possess the appropriate skill and knowledge before racing in such complex endurance events.
Endurance Racing Plans and Limits on Additional Events
Verstappen has previously expressed his ambition to compete in major endurance races around the world, such as the Daytona 24 Hours, Spa 24 Hours, and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, Red Bull’s management has ruled out his participation in Le Mans due to the added dangers of speed differentials and multiple vehicle classes on the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Le Mans is a different story,
Marko remarked.
The speed differences and the different categories are even greater there. Long distance only at the Nürburgring!
This limitation highlights the careful balance teams maintain between supporting drivers’ racing ambitions and safeguarding their commitments in Formula 1.
Upcoming Prospects for Verstappen at the Nürburgring and Beyond
With the Permit A secured, Verstappen’s entry into the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours will mark a significant milestone, combining his F1 experience with endurance racing challenges on one of motorsport’s toughest circuits. His presence is expected to raise the event’s profile, attracting wider attention to the prestigious German endurance race and possibly influencing future crossover participation by other F1 drivers.
As the 2026 race approaches, fans and motorsport insiders alike will be keen to see how Verstappen adapts to yet another facet of racing, further broadening his already impressive motorsport portfolio.
