Only seven days following his triumph at the Italian Grand Prix held at Monza, Max Verstappen is scheduled to return to action – even though there is no imminent Formula 1 event. Instead, the Red Bull driver will be realizing a longstanding ambition amidst the Eifel Mountains: engaging in a recognized heat of the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS).
The influential Helmut Marko commented in Italy that Verstappen’s focus was so intently on F1 he “even avoided mentioning GT.” However, this coming Saturday and Sunday, the Nurburgring Nordschleife venue is set to host NLS competitions 7 (ADAC-ACAS Cup) and 8 (64th ADAC Reinoldus Endurance Race) consecutively, each spanning four hours – and Verstappen is intending to participate.
Marko, who acts as Red Bull GmbH’s motorsport advisor, publicly stated Verstappen’s Nurburgring involvement upon inquiry by Autosport. The Dutch competitor has received the necessary contractual authorization from Red Bull for the weekend, but before being permitted to actively compete in an NLS competition, he is obligated to “fulfil the mandatory procedures”.
Taking part in an NLS event demands official licensing documentation issued by the German Motor Sport Federation (DMSB). In order to secure the required DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN), Verstappen is required to attend classroom instruction on Friday.
Former head of Mercedes motorsport Norbert Haug recently articulated to Autosport that it was “absurd that Max Verstappen is obliged to demonstrate a Nordschleife permit to qualify to race there. I recommend establishing a regulation that dismisses this prerequisite after a driver attains four world titles.”
Haug was presumably referencing the circumstance surrounding MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi, who in 2024 initially planned to enter the Nurburgring 24 Hours, but ultimately withdrew due to the DMSB’s refusal to provide an exemption from its stringent permit requirements.
As a qualified holder of an international racing license, it will suffice for Verstappen to be present for a DMSB Academy program complemented by an examination.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Marco Bertorello / AFP via Getty Images
If he successfully passes and subsequently secures the introductory B Permit, he will gain authorization to participate in races utilizing a category B vehicle – reportedly, as revealed by auto motor und sport, a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS managed by the Lionspeed organization. His fellow associates, Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen, achieved their respective ‘Nordschleife driver’s licenses’ via the identical process.
To procure the A Permit, Verstappen is obliged, according to DMSB regulations, to register “a minimum of two classified race results” encompassing “at least 14 race laps in total.”
That would, in theory, imply contending once more on Sunday within the Cayman GT4 CS to meet the criteria for the highest NLS classification.
Nevertheless, participating in a single race on Saturday could potentially suffice for him to position himself on Sunday in the Ferrari 296 GT3 fielded by the Swiss Emil Frey Racing unit – which represents the primary objective. This is attributed to the feasibility of an “individual case assessment by the DPN decision panel” as provisioned under DMSB licensing protocols.
Such assessment could be valid should Verstappen compete utilizing two individual vehicles on Saturday. In the scenario of FIA Platinum-graded drivers like Verstappen, “the recognition of a dual commencement is attainable.” Essentially, should the F1 champion be entered twice within the identical race, that scenario could potentially satisfy the requirements for the A Permit.
One factor remains indisputable: Verstappen’s vehicles will feature Red Bull branding. The financial obligations, nevertheless, will not be covered by Red Bull Racing but by Red Bull GmbH situated in Fuschl. It is specifically these freedoms – facilitating participation in racing beyond Formula 1 – that contributed to easing Verstappen’s determination to remain affiliated with Red Bull.
Marko, from his perspective, expresses no apprehension regarding potential injury risks involving Verstappen. He acknowledges the favorable aspects of his Nurburgring endeavor: “During a period when our Formula 1 vehicle was experiencing performance issues, he demonstrated notable dedication. This served as an important distraction for his overall well-being,” the Austrian remarked in anticipation of Verstappen’s prominent Nurburgring debut.
This forthcoming weekend may also potentially conclude the repetitive debates concerning what Balance of Performance (BoP) configurations Verstappen may have employed when establishing his unofficial lap record back in May. Upon engaging with the seasoned NLS veterans under genuine race conditions, all participants will be subjected to the identical regulations.
Furthermore, Verstappen will not be entering under a pseudonym such as ‘Franz Hermann’. He is required to compete utilizing his legal name – consistent with the licensing mandates stipulated for an official race.
Fans are offered the opportunity to observe Verstappen’s performance this weekend via Motorsport.tv.
