Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has successfully completed the permit course on the Nordschleife and will be allowed to drive his first NLS race on Saturday.
Max Verstappen has cleared the final hurdle on his way to his debut in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS): The current Formula 1 world champion completed the mandatory permit course on Friday and now meets all the requirements to compete in his first Nordschleife race.
Verstappen first swotted up on the theory in the morning before the Dutchman took to the racetrack for the first time this weekend. However, he didn’t do so in a race car, but in a minibus: together with Nürburgring chief instructor Andreas Gülden, the 27-year-old took another close look at the special features of the Nordschleife.
Verstappen then swapped the minibus for his 300 hp Porsche Cayman GT4, which he will also be driving on Saturday. Under the watchful eye of instructor Gülden, the world champion completed two guided laps on the combination of the Nordschleife and the Nürburgring GP circuit.
“The Nordschleife is at the top of my list”
Verstappen climbed back into the Porsche for the next training session and did a few more laps. “Racing isn’t just my job, it’s also my hobby,” grins the new father, who enjoyed himself despite the mandatory training course, which is not without controversy and has sparked debate.
“This weekend, I’m on the Nordschleife with the goal of qualifying for the mandatory racing license you need to drive a GT3 here, which is something I really want to do.” It’s no longer a secret that Verstappen has his sights set on competing in the 24-hour race.
“The Nordschleife is at the top of my list of tracks I really want to drive on because it is extremely challenging and demanding, with its enormous length and narrow, historic layout,” adds the four-time Formula 1 world champion. “I can’t wait!”
However, before the 27-year-old is allowed to get into Emil Frey Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3, he must first drive a slower car. He will fulfill this requirement on Saturday when he competes in the seventh round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series alongside Chris Lulham in Lionspeed GP’s Porsche Cayman GT4.
Organizers expect large crowds on Saturday
The fact that Verstappen was not on the provisional starting list for the race had nothing to do with the Dutchman not yet having the necessary permit. He could have been entered even without the required Nordschleife license.
Nordschleife Rule No. 1:
Nothing works without a permit HeartRace pic.twitter.com/bVGF1wu46T
— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) September 12, 2025
Instead, the team had hoped to keep the Formula 1 driver’s start a secret for as long as possible. But the plan failed, as it was announced on Monday that Verstappen would be making his racing debut in the “Green Hell.”
The organizers are therefore expecting a huge rush and advise arriving early to avoid the impending traffic chaos. Max Verstappen’s team has also made preparations: Security staff are stationed in front of the pit so that no one can enter. In addition, all windows are covered with tape. This will hardly dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators. The Dutchman’s debut is eagerly awaited and is likely to be one of the highlights of the weekend. Qualifying for the four-hour race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife begins on Saturday at 8:22 a.m.