Max Verstappen is set to compete at the Nürburgring this coming weekend. His next F1 commitment is the Azerbaijan GP, scheduled for mid-September. This allows the Dutch driver to participate in an endurance race at the German circuit. He previously tested ‘anonymously’ with a Ferrari GT3 car – experts reported at the time that Verstappen, under the alias Franz Hermann, had set a track record at the Nürburgring.
This Saturday and Sunday, the seventh and eighth rounds of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) will take place on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, respectively. Both races last four hours, and Max Verstappen plans to participate. Red Bull’s top advisor, Helmut Marko, confirmed to Autosport that the Dutchman will be present at ‘the Ring’ this weekend. However, before the four-time Formula 1 champion can actually participate in an NLS race, he must first complete the mandatory licensing course.
Required Licenses
To participate in a GT race at the Nürburgring, Verstappen needs a Nordschleife license (DPN) from the German motorsport federation. Since he already has an international racing license, Verstappen only needs to complete a course and exam to obtain the entry-level B permit. The German Auto, Motor und Sport reports that with this, he can drive a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS on Saturday, just like his friends Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen did before.
For the A-license – required to race in the highest class with the Ferrari 296 GT3 he previously tested – he normally needs to complete two races and at least 14 laps. However, he may be granted permission after just one day due to an exception. FIA Platinum drivers like Max Verstappen often receive an accelerated assessment. Undoubtedly, his status as a world-famous Formula 1 driver with four titles to his name will aid his case. His cars must bear the familiar Red Bull logos, although neither the company nor the Formula 1 team are directly involved in the race. Reportedly, the freedom to race outside the premier class is one of the reasons Verstappen remains loyal to the Austrians.
Helmut Marko is not overly concerned. He mainly sees the positive aspects and not the risks of injuries. “When our Formula 1 car was not performing well, he (Verstappen) was found with great enthusiasm at the Nürburgring,” said the Red Bull executive. “It was an important distraction and good for his well-being.”
