Max Verstappen’s Journey to GT3 Racing at the Nurburgring Nordschleife

Max Verstappen has recently achieved a significant milestone in his racing career: he is now officially licensed to compete in GT3 races at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. This advancement opens up a new chapter for the Dutch racing sensation, allowing him to pursue one of his long-held ambitions in the world of motorsport.

The Path to Licensing

Verstappen’s journey to obtaining his Permit A, which is essential for racing high-powered GT3 or GT4 cars, was not without challenges. During a recent four-hour race event known as the ADAC ACAS Cup, he drove a Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 CS. However, this vehicle was intentionally detuned because Verstappen had not yet acquired the necessary permit.

Initially, Verstappen faced an obstacle when one of the two cars he was scheduled to use to secure the permit was damaged. Due to this setback, he did not meet all the requirements to be awarded the DMSB Permit A in a single race. Nevertheless, the governing committee took a closer look at his situation and decided to grant him the license. This decision means that Verstappen can now set his sights on racing GT3 cars and competing for top positions in the Nurburgring endurance series.

Upcoming Races and Goals

With the permit in hand, Verstappen’s next target is to participate in GT3 events, starting with the penultimate round of the 2025 NLS season, the ADAC Barbarossapreis, which is scheduled for September 27th. This race will take place during the break between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix weekends, giving Verstappen a prime opportunity to showcase his skills in a GT3 setting. He is anticipated to race the Ferrari 296 GT3, representing the Swiss team Emil Frey Racing, with whom he conducted the infamous "Franz Hermann" test earlier this year.

For Verstappen, the ultimate dream is to compete in the prestigious Nurburgring 24 Hours race. The 2026 edition of this grueling event is set for May 15-17, fitting perfectly into the Formula 1 calendar as it falls during a three-week gap between the Miami and Canada races.

A Love for the Nordschleife

Verstappen’s enthusiasm for the Nurburgring Nordschleife is palpable. Unlike many drivers who may prefer the modernity of Formula 1 circuits, Verstappen has expressed a strong preference for traditional road courses. He has spent countless hours simulating laps on the legendary track, which is known for its challenging 20-kilometer layout filled with twists, elevation changes, and limited runoff areas.

In the past, Verstappen has articulated his admiration for circuits like the Nurburgring, stating, "It’s a fantastic circuit. I wish we had 24 of those on the calendar." His appreciation stems from a belief that many of the current tracks do not evoke the same excitement as the classic courses. The Nordschleife, with its rich history and demanding characteristics, stands out as a venue that aligns with his racing philosophy.

Experience on the Track

Reflecting on his recent experience at the ADAC ACAS Cup, Verstappen shared insights into the challenges and learning opportunities presented by the Nurburgring. He noted the diversity of track conditions, stating, “I drove in the wet, the dry, and in mixed conditions.” This variety allowed him to gain valuable experience in understanding where grip is available and where it is lacking, an essential skill for any driver aiming to conquer such a complex circuit.

Moreover, Verstappen’s enjoyment of the race was evident as he remarked, “I’m happy it all went smooth, and I got my DMSB Permit Nordschleife. I really enjoyed myself, but that’s always the case around here.” His enthusiasm highlights the thrill that comes with racing at one of the world’s most iconic tracks.

Future Aspirations: Team Ownership

As Verstappen prepares for the next stage of his racing career, he is also looking beyond just being a driver. He is taking his initial steps into team ownership, which adds another layer to his already impressive resume. This year, Verstappen.com Racing is participating in the GT World Challenge Europe, fielding an Aston Martin AMR GT3 Evo for a trio of talented drivers: Harry King, Chris Lulham, and Thierry Vermeulen. This venture is managed by 2 Seas Motorsport, and it aims to provide a platform for emerging talent in motorsport.

Lulham, who is part of the same Team Redline squad that Verstappen represents in online racing, is also involved in the DTM series with a Verstappen.com branded Ferrari. His success as a virtual racer, including victories at prestigious events like the Le Mans and Nurburgring 24-hour races, has put him on track to contend for the Gold Cup class title in the GT World Challenge Europe.

Verstappen has expressed his vision for the future of his team, stating, "The first step is our own GT3 team, and then we’ll see where we end up. It would be nice to be able to grow to the highest level in endurance racing." This ambition reflects his commitment to excellence and his desire to create pathways for aspiring racers who may not have the traditional routes into motorsport.

Bridging Sim Racing and Real Life

One of Verstappen’s key motivations for establishing his own team is to create a bridge between sim racing and real-world racing. He recognizes that the financial barriers to entering motorsport can be significant, particularly for young drivers who may not have access to karting, which is often the standard entry point. By providing opportunities for talented sim racers to transition into competitive racing, Verstappen aims to diversify the pathways available to newcomers in the sport.

"If I do something, I want to do it right. I want to win with this as well,” he emphasized, highlighting his competitive spirit and dedication to fostering talent. His vision is to build a system where aspiring racers can find success without the necessity of extensive financial resources.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Verstappen’s aspirations include competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours, which has also incorporated GT3 machinery in recent years. However, his participation in this iconic endurance race may have to wait until he has completed his commitments in Formula 1, as the timing of such an endeavor is intricately tied to his ongoing career in the premier single-seater series.

As Verstappen embarks on this exciting new chapter in his racing career, he continues to blend his love for high-speed competition with his entrepreneurial ambitions. Whether on the Nurburgring Nordschleife or in the realm of team ownership, his passion for motorsport remains unwavering, and the racing world eagerly anticipates the next moves of this remarkable driver.