Max Verstappen is taking on a new challenge at the Nürburgring, but first he must face strict exams and regulations. The Formula 1 world champion, fresh from triumphs and controversies in the F1 paddock, has decided to tackle one of motorsport’s most thrilling and feared challenges: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. But showing up with a helmet and race suit is not enough.
Making a debut in the NLS, the legendary endurance series held exclusively on the “Green Hell,” comes with a catch: Verstappen must pass a test and obtain a special license, just like any other driver aiming to tackle the formidable circuit.
To race, drivers need the notorious Nordschleife Permit issued by the DMSB. Verstappen starts with the so-called Permit B, which requires completing a theoretical course and passing a written exam. On Friday, the Dutch champion will sit in the classroom with pen in hand, answering questions about rules, procedures, and track safety.
And it doesn’t end there: to compete in the top class, GT3, Verstappen will need the Permit A. Obtaining it requires completing two classified results, covering at least 14 laps, and driving 20% of the race distance in each car he pilots. Only then will he be eligible to handle cars like the Ferrari 296 GT3 or Aston Martin, which he has already tested in previous sessions.
The car and ambitions
For now, Verstappen won’t be behind 1,000-horsepower monsters. He will drive a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS with Lionspeed, entered in the SP7 class. While still a powerful car, it must be “detuned” to just over 300 hp to meet the restrictions for first-time Nordschleife drivers.
So, there will be no record-breaking attempts or overall victories. The real goal is to gain experience, accumulate laps, and, most importantly, earn permission to move up to higher categories.
Some might wonder: “Why make Verstappen take a test when he is a world champion?” The answer is simple: the Nordschleife allows no shortcuts. The track is so long, complex, and dangerous that even the most experienced drivers must start at the bottom. The licensing system, introduced in 2015 after several incidents, ensures safe coexistence between GT3 drivers and those piloting significantly slower cars.
Criticism? Plenty. Even Valentino Rossi opted not to race at the Nürburgring because of these rules. But supporters argue that the system has significantly improved safety and race flow.
Where to follow
For fans wanting to watch Verstappen in this new chapter of his career, there is good news: both races of the weekend – the 65th ADAC ACAS Cup and the 64th ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen – will be streamed live for free on Motorsport.TV. On Saturday and Sunday, the day begins at 8:15 with qualifying, while the race starts at noon.
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