Verstappen to Make Official Nürburgring Nordschleife Debut, Pursuing Racing License

Max Verstappen, fresh off his Italian GP win, is set to make his official race debut on the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife this weekend. This marks the beginning of his journey to acquire the special racing license required for the legendary circuit.

Why it matters:

Even a three-time Formula 1 world champion must adhere to the stringent regulations of the Nordschleife, often dubbed the "Green Hell." This pursuit underscores Verstappen's serious long-term ambition to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

The details:

• Verstappen is slated to participate in a Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) race this Saturday.
• A special "Nordschleifen-Führerschein" (Permit) is mandatory for drivers in high-performance GT3 cars, a rule reinforced after a fatal accident a decade ago.
• The licensing process includes a mandatory theory course, which Verstappen will undertake on Friday, followed by at least one race in a lower-category car.
• He is expected to drive a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS, similar to how his friends Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen obtained their permits.
• Should Verstappen complete 14 error-free laps during the race, he could secure his full Nordschleife license, potentially enabling him to race a Ferrari 296 GT3 as early as the NLS event on September 27th, a week after the Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix.

What's next:

The ultimate objective for Verstappen is to compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Red Bull reportedly has no objections, and Verstappen himself is keen on the challenge. Unlike previous incognito tests, this time he will be racing under his official name, making his presence known throughout the Eifel region.