Max Verstappen’s Unexpected Weekend: A Formula 1 Champion’s Journey to the Nürburgring

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has often demonstrated his exceptional driving skills on some of the world’s most challenging tracks. Yet, in 2025, the Dutch superstar embarked on one of the most unique and demanding challenges of his career: proving he had the necessary competence to race on one of the most legendary and treacherous circuits in motorsport history — the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The Challenge

Known for its unforgiving 15.77 miles of winding, narrow, and elevation-shifting terrain, the Nürburgring Nordschleife — often referred to as the “Green Hell” — has been the proving ground for some of the best drivers in the world. It is a track that demands respect from anyone who dares race on it, regardless of their achievements in other forms of motorsport. Verstappen, despite his unparalleled success in Formula 1, was no exception to this rule.

To race on this daunting track in one of its premier events, Verstappen needed to earn a specific racing permit. This would require him to complete a series of mandatory steps, including e-learning courses, instructor-led laps, and practice sessions — all part of the process to obtain the necessary certification to race in more powerful cars, such as those used in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Why Verstappen Needed the Permit

For many, the idea that one of F1’s finest would need a permit to race at all may seem strange. After all, Verstappen’s resume speaks for itself: multiple F1 World Championships, numerous Grand Prix wins, and a track record that makes him one of the sport’s most dominant figures. But the Nürburgring Nordschleife is unlike any other circuit. It is one of the most complex, dangerous, and challenging tracks in the world, demanding a unique level of skill, precision, and respect.

Germany’s DMSB (German Motor Sport Association) issues the permits necessary for entry into high-level races on the Nordschleife. For top-tier events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours, drivers must earn an “A” permit — and to qualify for this, a driver must first complete specific events in less powerful cars, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS or BMW M2 CS. Verstappen, despite his super license and world champion status, was required to start his journey in a GT4 car before being eligible to race in a top-class GT3 car.

This process is designed to ensure that every driver, regardless of their pedigree, has the requisite experience and understanding of the unique challenges posed by the Nordschleife. Even Verstappen, one of the best drivers in the world, had to follow the same path to prove his ability on this infamous track.

Verstappen’s Weekend: From E-learning to Track Time

Verstappen’s weekend on the Nordschleife began in an unassuming way, with a series of lessons and practice sessions designed to familiarize him with the specific rules and nuances of racing on this iconic circuit.

On Friday, the first day of the event, Verstappen undertook several hours of theoretical and e-learning training. These sessions covered crucial aspects of racing on the Nordschleife, including the unique speed limits (Code 60 and Code 120), the importance of using indicators to signal to other drivers, and the specific racing lines required to navigate the treacherous track.

Later that day, Verstappen got behind the wheel of a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS. The car, which was d-tuned to 300 brake horsepower — significantly less than the cars of his competitors — presented a challenge for Verstappen, who was used to the blistering speed of Formula 1 machinery. Still, the 25-year-old rose to the occasion, completing several laps under the guidance of an instructor. By the end of the day, Verstappen had ticked off the necessary laps and was ready to race the following day.

Race Day: Navigating the Nordschleife

Saturday arrived with high expectations, not just for Verstappen, but for his legions of fans who had tuned in to watch the F1 star take on the Nordschleife. Over a million viewers watched the race live, and Verstappen’s performance was the focus of attention. His goal was straightforward: complete at least 14 laps across two different cars to meet the permit requirements.

However, the race was not without its challenges. Verstappen, in his Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS, started from the front but quickly found himself overtaken by a host of cars as he struggled with the power deficit of his d-tuned car. The 300 brake horsepower engine in his Porsche was significantly less powerful than the 425 brake horsepower found in other GT4 cars. Nevertheless, Verstappen kept his composure, completing a trouble-free first stint of seven laps in mixed conditions.

Despite finishing 27th in a field of 114 cars, Verstappen’s performance was impressive given the circumstances. His lap times were consistently competitive, and he finished as the highest-placed driver in the Permit B Cup, an important milestone in his journey toward obtaining the required permit.

The Setback: A Second Car Crash

However, not everything went according to plan. Verstappen’s other entry, a second Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS, was involved in a crash during qualifying and was unable to race. This setback left Verstappen with a tricky situation: while he had completed the necessary laps in one car, he needed to race in two different cars to fulfill the permit requirements.

This presented an obstacle that Verstappen had not anticipated, and he was left nervously waiting for the committee to decide whether or not he would be granted the A permit. The decision was not guaranteed, and Verstappen knew that he could be required to return to the Nordschleife the following day to complete additional laps.

The Committee’s Decision

After a tense wait, the committee finally made its decision. Recognizing Verstappen’s dedication to the challenge and his exceptional performance despite the setbacks, they granted him the coveted Permit A. This achievement means that Verstappen can now compete in prestigious events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a top-tier GT3 car, fulfilling a long-standing ambition to race on this legendary circuit.

Verstappen expressed his relief and satisfaction with the outcome, reflecting on the enjoyment he had experienced racing in such a challenging environment. For the Formula 1 star, it was a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his racing career, even beyond the confines of F1.

Looking to the Future

Now that Verstappen has obtained the necessary permit, the question remains: when will he next race on the Nordschleife? There are rumors that he could race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours as soon as next year. The event is scheduled for mid-May, conveniently between F1 races in Miami and Canada. With Verstappen’s growing interest in racing beyond Formula 1, it would not be surprising to see him take part in more endurance events in the future.

As for his Formula 1 career, Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but there are no guarantees about what will come after that. The Dutchman has expressed interest in racing in other disciplines, such as the Le Mans 24 Hours with his father, Jos Verstappen. Given his passion for motorsport, it would not be surprising if Verstappen explored opportunities in other high-profile racing series as his F1 career progresses.

Conclusion

Max Verstappen’s weekend at the Nürburgring Nordschleife was a fascinating and revealing chapter in his illustrious racing career. While the challenge of earning a permit to race on one of the world’s most demanding circuits may seem like a detour for an F1 World Champion, it only further underscores Verstappen’s dedication to his craft and his desire to push the limits of what he can achieve on and off the track.

In the end, Verstappen’s journey through the Nürburgring’s rigorous process demonstrated not only his extraordinary talent but also his unrelenting drive to take on new challenges — both in Formula 1 and beyond. As his career continues to evolve, fans around the world will no doubt be eager to see where his next adventure takes him.