Max Verstappen Secures FIA Platinum License, Opens Door to Endurance Racing Dreams

It’s no secret that Max Verstappen dreams of competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours. Following his GT3 test with Emil Frey Racing at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife under the pseudonym Franz Hermann, speculation is mounting that the Nurburgring 24 Hours is also on his wishlist.

To compete in these endurance races, a specific FIA license is required, which Verstappen has recently obtained.

Speaking ahead of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen revealed he applied for the license two weeks prior. "I applied because at some point I was going to have to do it anyway, so it was better to just get it over with," Verstappen told media. "It’s super easy. It’s just a form. You fill it out, you pay, and a week later you get a response."

The response classified Verstappen in the platinum category – the highest FIA license level.

"I was actually hoping for a bronze license!" Verstappen joked. "Maybe I’ll appeal the platinum license to at least get a silver one, but I don’t expect that."

Why platinum right away?

Verstappen immediately qualifies for the platinum category due to holding a Formula 1 superlicense. F1 drivers are automatically classified as platinum when applying for an FIA license, though they must still apply themselves. Only six F1 drivers currently hold an FIA license: Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Franco Colapinto, Nico Hulkenberg, Lando Norris, and Lance Stroll.

Max Verstappen, Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 496 GT3

The platinum license is also awarded to drivers who have finished in the top five of a Tier 1 championship, including WEC, Supercars, Formula 2, Formula E, and IndyCar, in addition to Formula 1. Drivers performing at a level comparable to other platinum drivers may also be awarded this status.

The FIA introduced the current licensing system in 2015 to ensure a level playing field in championships with multiple drivers per team, particularly in endurance racing. Participation in events like Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 24 Hours of Spa, or championships like the World Endurance Championship or IMSA SportsCar Championship requires a license to prevent skill disparities within the same class.

With the FIA license, Verstappen can theoretically compete in events like the Le Mans 24 Hours, a stated goal of his. However, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has expressed reservations, citing the increased professionalism and calendar expansion in modern motorsport that makes dual F1 and sportscar participation difficult. Furthermore, Le Mans often clashes with the Canadian Grand Prix, potentially delaying Verstappen’s participation until his F1 career concludes.

To enter the Nurburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen must undergo a separate process involving orientation, classroom sessions, and participation in two Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) races to obtain the necessary Permit A for the GT3 class. This year, he lacks sufficient time to complete the NLS races, making participation unlikely, as demonstrated by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi who also couldn't race due to incomplete requirements.

Verstappen could also participate in the 24 Hours of Spa, the premier GT3 race. His Verstappen.com Racing team competes in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with an Aston Martin Vantage GT3. While Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham, and Harry King are listed, a "TBA" entry offers a slim chance for Verstappen. However, his platinum license status excludes him from the Gold Cup unless the team moves up a category. A Pro entry for the 24 Hours of Spa has a three-driver limit, and the race conflicts with the Austrian Grand Prix this year.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admires Verstappen's passion for motorsport beyond F1 and stated that the team would not prevent him from exploring other ventures, provided his F1 commitments remain the priority.

"It would be very difficult to take that away from him," said Horner. "But of course, the focus has to remain on his main job… it’s out of the question for him to skip a race."

Openings in autumn

In Spain, Red Bull driver advisor Helmut Marko told ORF: "First of all, I find it remarkable that someone who is a four-time world champion has to be classified. But alright, totally fair: if you want to make Max smile, start talking about GT racing.

"At the moment, the focus is clearly on Formula 1. We want to win this world championship. But I think in the fall, opportunities will arise – and I assume Max has already looked into that carefully. Of course, he’ll need our permission for it."

Marko confirmed Verstappen would receive permission: "Yes, he will. After all, a GT car is relatively slow. I’m only afraid that if he actually joins a race, everyone will feel the need to prove themselves – and that they’ll make things unnecessarily difficult for Max."

Could Max race with father Jos?

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, with his father Jos Verstappen

Max has previously expressed a desire to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours with his father, Jos. As a former F1 driver, Jos Verstappen was entitled to a platinum license but it has since been downgraded to gold due to over five years of inactivity in motorsport and being over 40 years old.

Jos is currently active in rallying but is hesitant about Le Mans. "I’m rather critical about it. I’m way too slow for him," Jos said earlier this year. "That’s why I’d rather rule it out for now."

If they were to race together at Le Mans, they could potentially enter the top Hypercars class, as only bronze-rated drivers are prohibited from driving these cars in WEC. However, fixed driver line-ups in manufacturer-backed Hypercar entries make a guest appearance unlikely.

The LMP2 class, active only for Le Mans in WEC, would be a possible entry for the Verstappens. The LMGT3 class is not an option, as it requires at least one bronze-rated driver alongside another bronze or silver-rated driver.