Max Verstappen has been awarded the platinum rank by the FIA, a status for which a driver must apply themselves. This opens the door for the four-time world champion to compete in other racing classes, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), IMSA, and ELMS. His father, Jos Verstappen, has also applied for a license and has been placed in the gold category.
There are a total of four license categories. The highest is the platinum rank. The gold license is intended for experienced drivers, such as former Formula 1 drivers or successful participants from other top classes. The silver license is intended for semi-professionals or young talents, such as drivers who have progressed from Formula 3. The bronze license is for amateurs without a professional background. The system is used to rank drivers and is a means to level the competition.
Appealing the Decision
“I applied. I have to do it at some point, so I might as well get it out of the way. I mean, it’s super simple, it’s just a form you fill out and pay for, and a week later you have the answer,” Verstappen told the media in Barcelona. “Secretly, I was hoping for a bronze rating; I could appeal against the platinum and get at least silver.” In addition to Verstappen, five other Formula 1 drivers currently hold the platinum rank: Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, Franco Colapinto, Nico Hülkenberg, and Lance Stroll.
