Max Verstappen Faces Licensing Challenge Despite ‘Se… Read More
Max Verstappen recently drew attention after taking part in a low-key test session at the Nürburgring, where he drove a Ferrari 296 GT3 under the alias “Franz Hermann.” While the Dutch Formula 1 star is no stranger to GT3 cars, this marked one of his most public appearances behind the wheel of a GT car. The event, reported by Auto, Motor und Sport, is part of Verstappen’s broader ambition to compete in official endurance racing events at the Nürburgring, including the famed 24 Hours Nürburgring race.
To do so, Verstappen must obtain the Nordschleife license — a prerequisite for drivers aiming to participate in races at the Nürburgring Nordschleife under the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). Despite his F1 credentials and multiple world titles, Verstappen must still follow the same procedure as any aspiring GT3 driver, with no exceptions.
Motorsport commentator Alex Brundle, son of ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle, highlighted this key obstacle in a post on X (formerly Twitter). According to Brundle, Verstappen must complete two races totaling 14 laps in a significantly less powerful vehicle than he’s used to — something equivalent in performance to a detuned Porsche Cayman — to qualify for an “A permit.” This requirement applies to all drivers, regardless of their previous experience or accolades.
Brundle recalled that even his own father had to comply with this stringent process when they raced together, suggesting the Nürburgring organizers maintain strict and consistent enforcement of these rules. “The organizers in my experience are pretty militant about there being no exceptions,” Brundle noted. As a result, fans could see Verstappen driving a club-level BMW or Porsche as part of his qualifying efforts — a stark contrast to the high-speed, high-tech environment of Formula 1.
Though the requirement may seem like a step down for someone of Verstappen’s caliber, Brundle viewed it as an exciting prospect. The idea of a top F1 driver navigating grassroots-level machinery adds a unique dynamic to motorsport and could generate significant interest.
Verstappen’s potential involvement in GT racing, especially at such an iconic venue as the Nürburgring, reflects his passion for racing beyond Formula 1. Still, before he can join the GT3 grid officially, he must meet the licensing demands like everyone else — no matter how many championships he’s won. Whether or not exceptions are made, seeing Verstappen in a basic club-spec car could soon become a reality.
