Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has officially been cleared to race GT3 cars on the iconic Nürburgring-Nordschleife, after securing his DMSB Permit A from German motorsport authorities. The achievement paves the way for his long-awaited debut in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) later this month.
Despite his dominance in Formula 1, Verstappen had to start from scratch on the world’s toughest track. Regulations required him to first gain experience in GT4 cars with reduced power before being considered for GT3 competition. The 27-year-old completed the mandatory 14 racing laps in style, avoiding mistakes and showing maturity on a circuit nicknamed the “Green Hell.” His only setback came when one of his cars failed to finish due to a mechanical issue, leaving him one result short of the usual requirement. Still, the German authorities were impressed and awarded him the permit.
Speaking after receiving his license, Verstappen described the experience as both challenging and rewarding. “I’m glad everything went smoothly and that I now have the necessary permit. Driving here in race conditions with faster and slower traffic, Code 60 zones, and yellow flags was really valuable. I had runs in wet, dry, and mixed conditions, and that helped me understand where grip is and isn’t on this track,” he said.
The Red Bull star also underlined why the Nordschleife is regarded as one of the most difficult circuits in the world. “There’s no other place like it. With such a long lap, one section can be completely dry while another part is still wet. The surface also changes in different areas, which makes things complicated but also what makes this circuit so special. Racing here for 24 hours in a GT3 car would be incredible,” he added.
Verstappen, fresh off his Italian Grand Prix victory, will return to the Eifel mountains in two weeks, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, to take part in his very first GT3 race on the Nordschleife. His entry into the NLS series marks another chapter in his growing passion for endurance racing, and fans are eager to see how the Formula 1 champion adapts to the challenge of the world’s most feared racetrack.
