Max Verstappen Set to Apply for Nordschleife Permit After Secret Test
According to a report from Planet F1, Red Bull driver and reigning F1 World Champion Max Verstappen is reportedly targeting his DMSB Permit Nordschleife. This news comes after Verstappen was spotted participating in a secret GT3 test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife under the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’.
The Planet F1 report states that the permit is a requirement to compete in most races around the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife, including the Nürburgring 24 Hours and NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie) events. Verstappen’s participation in the GT3 test was kept under wraps, but his identity was revealed when his name was spotted on his helmet and overalls.
Verstappen’s foray into GT3 racing is not a new development, as the four-time F1 World Champion has been open about his passion for racing. The Planet F1 report suggests that Verstappen’s next step will be to obtain his Nordschleife permit this year, which will enable him to make more visits to the venue and put his virtual experience of the famous track to good use.
In addition to his GT3 test, Verstappen has been expanding his racing portfolio outside of Formula 1. Recently, he tested an Aston Martin GT3 and announced that his Verstappen.com squad and Aston Martin machinery would combine for a first-ever move into the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, backing the 2 Seas Motorsport team.
At just 27 years old, Verstappen has already established himself as a grizzled young veteran of the Formula 1 grid. Despite being under contract at Red Bull until the end of 2028, his F1 future beyond that is uncertain. In an interview with ESPN, Verstappen hinted that he may not stretch his F1 career out like Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, who are both still competing in their 40s.
"I have a contract until 2028, so for sure until then," Verstappen said. "After that, it also just depends a bit on what kind of projects are around or not — if it’s interesting or not. I already said after winning my first championship [that] everything that comes next is a bonus, and that’s also really how I see it. I will do it as long as I enjoy it and I can relate myself to the sport how I want to."
The Planet F1 report also notes that Verstappen’s personal life has been undergoing significant changes, with the news of his and his long-time partner Kelly Piquet’s daughter Lily being born ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
As Verstappen continues to explore his options outside of Formula 1, it will be interesting to see how his career unfolds. With his sights set on the Nordschleife permit and a growing presence in GT racing, one thing is certain — Max Verstappen is a man with a passion for racing that extends far beyond the confines of the F1 grid.
According to Planet F1, "Enjoy it, and let’s say, finding it okay to leave the family also behind." This statement suggests that Verstappen is eager to balance his racing career with his personal life, and it will be interesting to see how he navigates these competing demands in the years to come.
Verstappen’s potential participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and NLS events would be a significant development in his racing career. As Planet F1 notes, the Nordschleife permit is a key requirement for these events, and Verstappen’s acquisition of it would be a major step forward in his quest to become a more versatile and accomplished driver.
In conclusion, Max Verstappen’s reported plans to apply for a Nordschleife permit are just the latest indication of his growing interest in GT racing and his determination to explore new challenges outside of Formula 1. As Planet F1 continues to monitor developments in Verstappen’s career, one thing is clear — this is a driver with a passion for racing that will continue to drive him to new heights in the years to come.
