Max Verstappen has obtained his coveted Permit ‘A’ from Nurburgring officials, allowing him to compete in top-level GT racing starting in 2026. The Dutch driver earned the licence after successfully racing a detuned Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 at the German circuit last weekend, winning his class and demonstrating his ability to handle the demanding Nordschleife track amidst multi-class competition. His future in Max Verstappen GT racing, however, remains contingent on Red Bull’s competitiveness during the 2025 Formula 1 season.
To qualify for GT3 racing at Nurburgring, Verstappen was required to complete a full weekend in a CUP3(G) class Porsche, limited to 300 horsepower, a far cry from the power of his Formula 1 car. Despite his status as a four-time F1 World Champion, Verstappen accepted the challenge without special exceptions, finishing seventh overall in his class and proving his adaptability in slower traffic alongside less experienced drivers.
Verstappen’s Experience and Reflections on the Licence Process
Verstappen spoke candidly about his experience after returning to his Red Bull F1 duties in Azerbaijan, explaining the importance of the permit for his ambitions beyond Formula 1. He acknowledged the challenges of racing a slowed GT4 car but appreciated the learning opportunities it presented in terms of traffic management and track conditions.
“I knew that I needed to get my permit, so I had to do that race in a GT4 car,”
Verstappen said.
“Of course, the car itself, downtuned, is not the most exciting to drive, but, on the other hand, you still learn a lot from a day like that.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
“Luckily, it rained a bit, and it was dry, so you get more experience on the track dealing with traffic as a slower car, not always the easiest. The rest was just staying out of trouble, really.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
He described the atmosphere at the Nurburgring as highly charged, with passionate endurance fans adding to the event’s appeal. For Verstappen, racing outside of F1 represents a personal interest, with the ultimate goal of eventually competing in the iconic 24-hour endurance race at the Nordschleife.
“So I knew that the license needed to come, so it was the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
Verstappen admitted he felt confident during the race, despite the inherent risks, noting that the licence approval was almost certain shortly after the event concluded.
“I would say, an hour after the race, it was pretty clear that I was gonna get [the licence],”
he said.
“I was also not involved in any kind of accident or yellow flag infringement. So it was quite clear-cut.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
The race organisers facilitated his progression by adapting the teaching process to match his prior knowledge of the circuit, reducing the classroom element typical of novice drivers. Having completed thousands of laps at the Nordschleife, including earlier tests, Verstappen’s experience accelerated the licensing procedure.
“I think they were super helpful to me. Of course, we talked to them about how we can make it as smooth as possible,”
Verstappen explained.
“Because with some things, like sitting in a classroom, for example, like… we went on the track, we did a lap, and you explain a bit more of the things.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
“It’s also not that I’m a total rookie to the track. Sometimes people are, like, fully amateur. They don’t even know the track, right? So then it needs a different kind of coaching. But I’ve already done thousands of laps around there, plus the test that I did before.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
“But honestly, they were always very helpful. I know, of course, rules are rules, so you have to stick to them. But, at the same time, they were very open-minded, and I think it worked out very well at the end.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
Eligibility Opens Doors, but GT Racing Plans Depend on Red Bull’s 2026 Performance
With his Permit A secured, Verstappen can now officially enter prestigious GT3 competitions, including the Nurburgring 24 Hours. He has already tested a Ferrari 296 GT3 car at the Nordschleife, setting what he described as an unofficial lap record during his May visit. Although his schedule in 2025 leaves an opening as the 24 Hours race falls between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix, Verstappen has declined to confirm his participation, citing ongoing uncertainties surrounding the shape of the upcoming F1 season.
Red Bull’s upcoming season marks its debut using the newly developed Red Bull Powertrains engine under fresh technical regulations. Given the anticipated challenges of adapting to these innovations, Verstappen’s availability for extracurricular racing depends heavily on how well the team performs and manages their workload in 2025.
“For me, it’s very important to be able to do those things [outside F1],”
he said.
“Of course, how much I can do during an F1 season is a bit tricky.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
“Also, next year, new regulations, it’s already hard enough in Formula 1, but yeah, we’ll just see how everything goes.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
“It depends on how next season goes with the new rules. It’s impossible to say now if I can compete in other things outside of that.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
Verstappen also enjoys positive backing from Red Bull’s team advisor Helmut Marko, who understands the Dutch driver’s passion for endurance racing given his own experience behind the wheel.
“Helmut is very excited about it,”
Verstappen noted.
“He also sees how passionate I am about it and what I’m doing for it. He has raced in endurance himself, so it’s easier to relate to.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
Verstappen’s Perspective on Endurance Racing and the Triple Crown
While endurance racing clearly appeals to Verstappen, he remains firm that the famed Triple Crown of motorsport—winning Monaco in Formula 1, the Le Mans 24 Hours, and the Indy 500 in IndyCar—is not a goal of his. Although open to competing at Le Mans, he has no desire to race on oval tracks like the Indy 500, which sets limits on his interest in crossing into that discipline.
“Le Mans yes, but I’m not interested in the Triple Crown,”
he said.
“I enjoy watching IndyCar. I do not need to drive it myself.”
Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
As Verstappen continues to balance his career between Formula 1 and possible ventures into GT racing, the intersection between his ambitions and Red Bull’s future success remains critical. The German endurance racing scene could offer a new chapter for the Dutch star, provided the team’s 2026 campaign enables the luxury to explore opportunities beyond F1.
