Verstappen Earns Coveted Nürburgring Nordschleife Permit

Verstappen Earns Coveted Nürburgring Nordschleife Permit Max Verstappen has successfully obtained his DMSB Permit Nordschleife, officially clearing his path to compete in GT3 machinery at the challenging Nürburgring circuit, including the prestigious 24-hour race. Why it matters: This achievement marks a significant step for the three-time Formula 1 world champion toward fulfilling his long-held ambition to tackle one of motorsport's most demanding endurance events, potentially as early as the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. The details: * Verstappen arrived on Friday to complete a mandatory theory exam for the license. * He then joined Lionspeed GP for a four-hour race on Saturday, aiming to complete at least 14 laps and be classified in two different cars to meet strict DMSB Grade A license requirements. * He shared a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS, restricted to 300bhp, with Verstappen.com Racing driver Chris Lulham. * Despite plans for laps in two cars, the #89 entry was damaged in qualifying and couldn't start. * Starting in the #980, which humorously sported a "Permit B" sticker, Verstappen focused solely on logging mileage. * He completed the required 14 laps in mixed conditions (rain, dry, traffic) before handing over to Lulham. * After hours of deliberation due to only one car being classified, officials ultimately ruled the situation a "force majeure," awarding Verstappen the necessary permit. What he's saying: Verstappen expressed satisfaction with the process and his new license. "I’m happy that everything went smoothly and that I obtained the DMSB Permit Nordschleife," he stated. "I had fun, but that’s always the case here. It was also good to drive those stints in race conditions with traffic, so both faster and slower cars. There was a ‘code 60’ neutralisation, double yellows and yellow flags. I drove in the rain, on a dry track, and in between. I learned where there is more and less grip and did a start as well." He further elaborated on his desire to race the 24 Hours: "There is only one circuit like the Nordschleife. It’s a challenging track… To race here for 24 hours in a GT3 car would be amazing." What's next: With the permit in hand, Verstappen is now eligible to make his GT3 debut in upcoming NLS rounds later this month. The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, scheduled for May 14–17 between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix, stands out as a prime target for his debut in the iconic endurance race.