Verstappen's Nordschleife License: The Cost Revealed

Max Verstappen recently secured his A permit for the Nordschleife, enabling him to compete in the fastest category and, crucially, to participate in the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours. Despite being a four-time F1 world champion, Verstappen followed all regulations, undergoing written and practical tests, and competing in a GT4 race to earn his license.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's venture into endurance racing, particularly the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours, marks a significant personal goal for the F1 superstar.
• His participation will bring immense global attention to the Nordschleife and endurance racing, potentially attracting new fans and showcasing his versatility as a driver.
• This move also highlights that even a driver of Verstappen's caliber must adhere strictly to licensing protocols in different motorsport disciplines, emphasizing the rigor of motorsport regulations.

The Details:

• Licensing Process: Verstappen’s path to the A permit involved several stages:
  • A written examination.
  • Eight guided laps on the Nordschleife with an instructor.
  • Eight solo laps without guidance.
  • Participation in a GT4 class qualifying and race, driving a detuned Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS.
• Financial Outlay: The total cost for Verstappen to acquire his Nordschleife permit was €1,790.
  • He also incurred an annual fee of €102 to maintain the license's active status.
• Validity Requirements: To keep the license valid, Verstappen must compete in at least one Nordschleife race every two years.
• Contrast with F1 License: The Nordschleife permit cost pales in comparison to his 2025 Formula 1 super license, which amounted to a staggering €1,022,234. This figure is calculated based on his 437 points scored in the previous F1 season.

What's next:

With his Nordschleife A permit secured, Max Verstappen is now officially cleared to pursue his ambition of competing in the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours. This will be a highly anticipated event, offering fans a unique opportunity to see the F1 champion tackle one of the world's most challenging circuits in a different racing format.