Max Verstappen’s Aspirations in Endurance Racing: A Deep Dive
Max Verstappen, the celebrated Formula 1 driver for Red Bull Racing, has openly shared his aspirations to participate in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race. Recently, after his GT3 test session with Emil Frey Racing at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, where he raced under the alias Franz Hermann, discussions surrounding his potential entry into the Nürburgring 24 Hours have intensified. This interest in endurance racing is not just a fleeting thought; Verstappen has taken concrete steps to make it a reality.
Obtaining the FIA License
To compete in endurance racing events like Le Mans, drivers must hold a specific FIA license. Verstappen recently acquired this essential license, a move that has significantly bolstered speculation about his future in endurance racing. Speaking to the media ahead of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, he revealed that 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 explained. He described the process as straightforward: just fill out a form, pay a fee, and wait for the response.
The outcome of his application was notable: Verstappen was classified under the platinum category, the highest level of FIA licensing. “I was actually hoping for a bronze license!” he humorously remarked. The reason he attained the platinum status so quickly is due to his possession of a Formula 1 superlicense. In fact, F1 drivers automatically qualify for the platinum category when applying for an FIA license.
Who Else Holds a Platinum License?
Currently, only a handful of Formula 1 drivers are recognized under the FIA platinum category, including names like Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg, Lando Norris, and Lance Stroll. The platinum license is awarded not only to F1 drivers but also to those who have achieved top positions in Tier 1 championships, which include series like the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Supercars, Formula 2, Formula E, and IndyCar. This classification system aims to ensure a level playing field in competitive racing, especially in endurance events where driver skill levels can vary significantly.
Opportunities with the FIA License
The FIA introduced its licensing system in 2015 to maintain fair competition in championships that involve multiple drivers. Anyone aspiring to participate in renowned events such as Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, or the 24 Hours of Spa must possess a valid FIA license. This system is crucial in preventing vast discrepancies in driver skill levels within the same class of competition.
With his FIA license in hand, Verstappen is theoretically eligible to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours. This race has long been a dream for him, although there are factors that could complicate his aspirations. Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Christian Horner, has voiced a more cautious stance regarding Verstappen’s participation in endurance racing, indicating that the driver’s primary focus should remain on Formula 1.
The Nurburgring 24 Hours Challenge
While Verstappen’s FIA license opens doors to various endurance racing events, competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours presents its own set of challenges. The event involves racing on the legendary Nordschleife circuit, which has unique requirements for drivers. To qualify, Verstappen must complete a specific orientation process, which includes classroom sessions and participation in two Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) races. During these races, he must demonstrate consistent performance and stay out of trouble to obtain a Permit A, which is necessary to compete in the GT3 class.
Although the Nürburgring 24 Hours does not conflict with the Formula 1 calendar this year, Verstappen has missed the window to complete the required NLS events. Therefore, his participation is highly unlikely. This strict adherence to the qualification process is enforced uniformly, as evidenced by the fact that even renowned MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi was unable to compete due to not fulfilling the necessary requirements.
Competing in the 24 Hours of Spa
With the FIA license, Verstappen also has the opportunity to engage in the largest GT3 race of the year, the 24 Hours of Spa. He is already linked to the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup through Verstappen.com Racing, where he competes with an Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The team lineup includes drivers like Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham, and Harry King, although speculation about a potential entry for Verstappen himself remains low.
The team’s registration in the Gold Cup category permits a maximum of three gold-rated drivers alongside one silver-rated driver. Since Verstappen holds a platinum license, he cannot compete unless the team moves to a higher category. However, a Pro team in the 24 Hours of Spa is limited to three drivers, and the race’s scheduling conflicts with the Austrian Grand Prix this year complicate matters further.
Red Bull’s Position on Verstappen’s Pursuits
In light of Verstappen’s interest in endurance racing, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Christian Horner, has expressed admiration for the driver’s passion for motorsport beyond Formula 1. Horner noted that the team would not prevent Verstappen from exploring other racing opportunities, provided that these ventures do not interfere with his primary responsibilities in Formula 1. “It would be very difficult to take that away from him,” Horner commented. “But of course, the focus has to remain on his main job… it’s out of the question for him to skip a race.”
Potential Openings in the Fall
As the 2023 racing season progresses, Red Bull’s driver advisor, Helmut Marko, hinted at the possibility of Verstappen having opportunities in the fall. “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 stated. When asked if Verstappen would receive that permission, Marko responded affirmatively, indicating that the team is open to allowing him to pursue other racing events.
The Family Connection: Racing with Jos Verstappen
Max Verstappen has previously expressed a desire to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours alongside his father, Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver. Jos, who once held a platinum license, has seen his status downgraded to gold due to his inactivity in motorsport for over five years. Upon his return, the FIA classified him under a lower category because of age-related stipulations in their driver classification rules.
While Jos has remained active in rallying, he has been candid about the challenges of racing at Le Mans, stating, “I’m rather critical about it. I’m way too slow for him. That’s why I’d rather rule it out for now.” If the Verstappens were to compete together at Le Mans, they would likely aim for the top Hypercars class. However, this class is predominantly filled with manufacturer-backed entries, limiting the chances of casual entries.
Exploring Other Classes
In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the LMP2 class could potentially accommodate both Verstappens if they chose to compete together. However, the LMGT3 class requires at least one bronze-rated driver, which would not be feasible for Jos, given his current license status. Therefore, while the dream of racing together exists, logistical and regulatory hurdles present significant challenges.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s ambitions in endurance racing reflect his deep passion for motorsport that goes beyond the confines of Formula 1. With the recent acquisition of his FIA license, he has taken a crucial step towards realizing his dreams of competing in prestigious events like the Le Mans 24 Hours. However, various factors, including team commitments, regulatory requirements, and family dynamics, complicate the pathway to these aspirations. As the racing landscape continues to evolve, fans and enthusiasts will eagerly watch how Verstappen navigates his dual interests in Formula 1 and endurance racing in the years to come.
