Max Verstappen is now a Platinum driver: an important step toward a career beyond F1 and a debut in Endurance. The Dutch champion, once again contending for the world title this season, has already made it clear he doesn’t want to limit his career to single-seaters. Whether it’s the 24 Hours of Le Mans — perhaps alongside Fernando Alonso — or the Nürburgring, the leap into other categories is getting closer.
If years of statements and hints at the world of Endurance weren’t enough, the (record-setting) laps by “Franz Hermann” at the Nürburgring were definitive proof. Max Verstappen, tired of winning in Formula 1, wants to explore new horizons. His most ambitious goal would be competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, though that may still take some time.
Meanwhile, the Dutchman has taken a small — for a Formula 1 driver — bureaucratic step forward: being classified as a Platinum-level driver. The highest rank in the FIA’s hierarchy, this designation certifies the applicant’s skill level. A driver from the top series is automatically granted the highest level upon request, and Verstappen is in good company.
Nürburgring, Le Mans, or Daytona: Max Verstappen’s Endurance future
As mentioned, Verstappen is in good company: Platinum status is also held by Fernando Alonso (already a Le Mans winner), Nico Hülkenberg (also a Le Mans winner), Lando Norris (who raced in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018), Lance Stroll (who also competed at Daytona in 2016 and 2018), and Franco Colapinto (who has raced in the LMP2 class, including at Le Mans).
Even Italy’s Davide Valsecchi is listed as a Platinum driver: in addition to a brief stint in LMP2, he also took part in the Blancpain Sprint Series (now GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup) in 2016. The mechanism is simple: while a Super Licence is sufficient to race in Formula 1, other championships — in order to maintain the distinction between Pro and Am — require specific classification.
As for the four-time world champion, his next moves are still uncertain. His appearance during an NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie) track day suggests he may take part in at least one of the races organized on the legendary Nordschleife. An important step before obtaining the additional license required to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Interestingly, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, is currently classified as a Gold driver by the FIA.
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