Max Verstappen’s surprise ascent through GT ranks at the Nürburgring Nordschleife has opened the door to a future Le Mans 24 Hours outing — even in the middle of a Formula 1 season — according to 2015 Le Mans winner Nico Hülkenberg.
From the Green Hell to A-licence: how Verstappen did it
The Red Bull star secured his GT racing A licence after an intensive weekend on the Nordschleife, completing 14 laps during a four-hour race in a detuned Porsche Cayman GT4. Despite not achieving the usual requirement of two classified results, a panel waived that clause and granted the higher-class permit, acknowledging that Verstappen had satisfied all other criteria — including a track and theory exam on Friday to qualify for a category B licence.
That clearance allows Verstappen to compete in a round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series later this month, likely in a Ferrari 296 GT3, and has inevitably sparked talk of an eventual Le Mans appearance.
Hülkenberg: "In theory, it’s possible, it’s doable"
Hülkenberg — who famously triumphed at Le Mans in 2015 while racing in F1 with Force India — believes Verstappen could follow a similar path, calendar permitting. Speaking to RacingNews365, he said: "In theory, it’s possible, it’s doable. Whether that’s something he wants to do during a Formula 1 season, I don’t know. Only he will know that."
The German praised Verstappen’s relentless dedication: "I admire that he’s got such a full-on racing head. His entire life is around racing. When he’s not at a racetrack in Formula 1, he’s at home in his sim, in the Red Bull simulator, or driving some GT car... Pretty amazing and fun what he did there, to go into the GTs, to do the licence there. Being in the current season, and still somewhat involved in the championship, it’s pretty incredible."
The calendar caveat: more races, higher clash risk
The biggest hurdle is the modern F1 calendar. Hülkenberg’s 2015 campaign comprised 19 Grands Prix; today’s schedules stretch to 24, raising the probability of clashes with endurance classics. Next year already features a direct conflict between the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Spanish Grand Prix, underlining the logistical challenge.
Different pathways: Hülkenberg vs Verstappen
Detailing his own Le Mans preparation, Hülkenberg noted it was "a bit less demanding and easier than what Max had to do", involving a simulator session course to learn the track and procedures. Verstappen, by contrast, has earned his permit through real-world GT mileage on the most punishing circuit of all.
What’s next?
For now, Verstappen’s focus remains on Formula 1 while he samples GT machinery at the Nordschleife. Hülkenberg — set to become a works Audi driver next season as the brand enters F1 — added that he is "just focused on the F1 stuff for now", with post-F1 plans still open-ended.
Whether Verstappen ultimately adds a Le Mans start to his decorated CV will depend on timing and opportunity. But after his "pretty incredible" GT run, the path looks clearer than ever.
