Four‑time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen made a quiet splash on the legendary Green Hell this past weekend. While most fans were glued to the F1 calendar, the Dutch driver was busy earning his B‑Permit and completing a full stint in the ADAC NLS Endurance Series at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The mission? To prove he can handle the twists, elevation changes and relentless pace of one of motorsport’s toughest circuits, and to set his sights on the Nürburgring 24‑Hours.
From paperwork to the pit lane: the B‑Permit test
Before Verstappen could even start the race, he faced a two‑part licensing hurdle. Friday featured a written exam covering track rules, safety protocols and technical specifications, followed by a practical test. Under the watchful eye of a certified instructor, he completed two laps behind the instructor’s car and two laps ahead, hitting the required times without protest. Passing both components unlocked his B‑Permit, the second tier in the Nürburgring’s strict licensing ladder.
Because the B‑Permit limits drivers to less powerful machinery, Verstappen was assigned a Lionspeed‑prepared Porsche Cayman GT4 CS rather than a full‑blown GT3. The car’s power‑to‑weight ratio is capped for rookie drivers, ensuring a manageable learning curve while still delivering the thrill of a true sports‑car experience.
The race itself – NLS Race 7 – ran on September 14‑15 and featured roughly 100 entrants, a modest crowd compared with the 150‑170 cars that usually line up for the famed 24‑Hour event. Verstappen was required to complete exactly 14 laps, a figure set by race officials to satisfy his licensing progression. He did so cleanly, navigating the 12.9‑mile strip with a mix of caution and the aggressive edge that has defined his F1 approach.
Road to the 24‑Hour showdown
Sources close to the Red Bull operation say the next step is already booked: a return on September 27 in a Ferrari 296 GT3. That jump to GT3 would thrust Verstappen into the fastest class on the Nordschleife, letting him test the limits of a machine comparable to those that dominate the 24‑Hour race. Helmut Marko, long‑time Red Bull advisor, has reportedly confirmed that once the licensing requirements are met, Verstappen will be cleared to compete in the Nürburgring 24‑Hours – a finish line that many endurance veterans consider the ultimate test of durability and skill.
The move fits a broader pattern of Formula 1 drivers looking beyond single‑seaters. Recent seasons have seen the likes of Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and even former champion Fernando Alonso dabble in endurance events, drawn by the strategic depth and sheer physical demand of long‑duration racing. For Verstappen, the Nordschleife offers a contrast to the precision‑focused world of F1: here, a single mistake can end a night‑long stint, and weather can flip from sun to rain in a matter of minutes.
Beyond the personal challenge, Verstappen’s foray may have commercial implications. Red Bull’s branding is already a staple on the Nordschleife, and a Dutch champion battling alongside century‑old German clubs could open new sponsorship avenues, especially in the European endurance market.
- Current status: B‑Permit holder, completed 14‑lap GT4 CS race.
- Next milestone: Obtain Permit A by competing in a GT3 – likely the Ferrari 296 GT3.
- Ultimate goal: Secure a seat for the Nürburgring 24‑Hours endurance race.
- Strategic impact: Expands Red Bull’s presence in endurance racing and showcases driver versatility.
While the F1 season still dominates Verstappen’s calendar, the weekend at the Nürburgring proved that he can quickly adapt to a vastly different racing environment. If the upcoming GT3 run goes smoothly, fans could soon be watching a familiar name line up alongside seasoned endurance protagonists, all vying for a spot on the podium of one of the most demanding races on the planet.
