Formula One driver Max Verstappen has secured his Nürburgring racing license, but there are questions about whether the 2026 season will present a challenge for the speedy racer.
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, is eyeing a new challenge on the legendary Nordschleife track at the Nürburgring. While his participation in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2026 is uncertain due to the demands of Formula 1, he has set his sights on a GT3 class start at the end of September 2025. Verstappen's foray into the world of endurance racing began with his participation in the Nürburgring Long Distance Series (NLS) on Thursday. He drove a Porsche Cayman GT4 with reduced performance, having completed the entire training course on Friday and competing in a 4-hour NLS race on Saturday. To race at the Nürburgring, Verstappen needed a Nordschleife permit from the DMSB, which he now possesses. This permit allows him to compete in races with GT3 cars, a category he has been training for extensively. Verstappen has reportedly completed thousands of Nordschleife laps in the simulator and even drove a test in a GT3 Ferrari earlier this year. His first GT3 class start at the Nürburgring is planned with Emil Frey Racing at the end of September 2025. However, securing a start in the top class GT3 is not straightforward without an A-permit, a fact that Red Bull, led by motorsport consultant Dr. Helmut Marko, is not opposed to. Verstappen's endurance racing journey has not been without its challenges. He experienced a rainy qualifying and a dry race during his participation in the NLS, providing valuable lessons on how to deal with traffic as a slower car. He was also instructed on the track by Nürburgring instructor Andreas Gülden on Friday. Despite his passion for endurance racing, Verstappen sees himself primarily as a Formula 1 driver. In 2025, with new regulations likely to limit his chances for winning Formula 1 races, he expressed a desire to continue participating in racing series outside of Formula 1. However, he avoids having his name on the starting list to limit fan demand and is uncertain about when (and how often) he will participate in the GT3 on the Nordschleife. Helmut Marko finds Verstappen's passion for endurance racing exciting and can relate to it, as he has also driven endurance races. Red Bull supports Verstappen's engagement at the Nürburgring, acknowledging the benefits of his diversified racing experience. As the race for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2026 approaches, Verstappen's schedule will undoubtedly be a determining factor in his participation. One thing is certain, though: Max Verstappen's racing career continues to be a captivating spectacle for fans worldwide.
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