Yesterday at 12:00
Max Verstappen has successfully obtained his A licence for the
Nurburgring Nordschleife after completing the mandatory
certification process at the legendary German circuit over the
weekend. The four-time F1 drivers' champion raised eyebrows when it
emerged he would need to complete the full licensing procedure,
including theory examinations and supervised instruction laps. Many
questioned why a driver of his calibre required such formalities
for a track aptly dubbed the green hell . Verstappen approached the
requirements without complaint, earning widespread praise from
German motorsport circles for his professional attitude. The Red
Bull driver began proceedings on Friday with written theory tests
before taking to the circuit behind an instructor who demonstrated
the optimal racing lines around the demanding 20.8-kilometre
layout. His natural pace shone through immediately. Despite driving
a reduced-specification Porsche with 125bhp less power than the
class leaders, Verstappen finished sixth in wet conditions during
Saturday's session. His lap times were just fifteen seconds adrift
of the Cup 3 class winner, a remarkable showing in challenging
circumstances. The licensing requirements stipulated fourteen laps
across two different vehicles, but technical problems with the
sister car prevented the Dutchman from completing the full
programme as planned. He managed fourteen laps in the 980 Porsche
Cayman before awaiting the decision of the licensing committee.
Officials ultimately awarded Verstappen his category A licence,
citing his demonstrated competence in varying weather conditions
and under yellow flag procedures. The certification unlocks
significant opportunities for the Red Bull driver on the
Nordschleife. He can now compete in GT3 machinery at the circuit,
with plans already taking shape for his next appearance. Verstappen
is targeting the NLS race on 27th September, where he will race a
Ferrari GT3 for Verstappen.com Racing. The timing fits neatly
between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix weekends,
highlighting the 27-year-old's growing commitment to endurance
racing pursuits. The ultimate prize remains the 24 Hours of
Nurburgring, with his newly-acquired licence removing the final
barrier to participation in the prestigious event.
