Fresh off his Italian Grand Prix triumph at Monza, Max Verstappen is preparing for another weekend behind the wheel – this time away from Formula 1. The Red Bull star will fulfill a long-standing ambition by competing in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS), taking on the legendary Nordschleife in official race conditions.
Rounds 7 and 8 of the NLS, the ADAC-ACAS Cup and the 64th ADAC Reinoldus Endurance Race, will be staged on Saturday and Sunday in the Eifel Mountains, each lasting four hours. Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko confirmed Verstappen’s participation, explaining that the Dutchman has received contractual clearance but must first complete the formal steps required to race.
Licensing Hurdle
Under German regulations, all entrants at the Nürburgring must hold a special Nordschleife license issued by the DMSB (German Motor Sport Federation). Despite being a triple Formula 1 world champion, Verstappen is no exception. He is expected to attend a DMSB Academy course on Friday before sitting an exam to obtain the entry-level B Permit.
This would allow him to race in a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS fielded by Lionspeed, the same route his friends Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen previously took. To qualify for the higher-level A Permit – required for top GT3 machinery – Verstappen would normally need two classified results covering at least 14 laps.
However, a loophole could see him promoted faster. The DMSB allows case-by-case assessments for FIA Platinum drivers, and a “double start” in Saturday’s race could already open the door to an A Permit. That would clear the way for Verstappen to race the Ferrari 296 GT3 with Emil Frey Racing as early as Sunday.
Debate Over the Rules
The strict licensing requirements have drawn criticism. Former Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug called it “ridiculous” that Verstappen needs to prove himself through a permit system, suggesting an automatic exemption for multiple world champions. The debate echoed the case of Valentino Rossi, who was barred from the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2024 after failing to secure the permit.
Red Bull Backing
Verstappen’s Nürburgring appearance is supported by Red Bull GmbH rather than the Formula 1 team, a freedom that reflects his broader agreement with the energy drink giant. Marko welcomed the move, insisting there is no concern about unnecessary risks:
“At a time when our Formula 1 car wasn’t running properly, he was there with great enthusiasm. It was an important distraction for his well-being.”
Putting Speculation to Rest
The Dutchman’s debut in official NLS competition will also end speculation over his controversial unofficial Nordschleife lap record set earlier this year. This time, Verstappen will be measured directly against seasoned endurance specialists under identical Balance of Performance rules.
And unlike his private test outing, Verstappen will line up under his own name – no pseudonym, no disguise, just another driver on the grid ready to take on the Green Hell.