Fresh from his surprising victory at the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix, four-time world champion Max Verstappen is set to make his GT racing debut on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring this weekend. According to the publication Auto Motor Sport, the Dutch driver will travel to Germany to obtain the necessary license to race on this mythical circuit.
A Two-Step Process to Obtain the License
To be able to drive a GT3 race car, such as the Ferrari 296 GT3 he recently drove under the pseudonym Franz Hermann, Verstappen must successfully complete a series of tests. He will begin with a theoretical exam this Friday, the first mandatory step. If he passes, he will then have to take a practical exam on Saturday, which involves finishing a race in a lower category, likely driving a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS for the Lionspeed GP team.
A Logistical Challenge for the Red Bull Champion
The regulations normally require two separate race starts to obtain the final license. However, thanks to his exceptional experience, Verstappen could fulfill this requirement by completing two stints in two different cars during the same race on Saturday. The report indicates that he will need to complete a total of 14 laps without receiving any penalties to gain the officials’ approval.
Confirmed Participation in the NLS Race
Once these formalities are completed, Verstappen is expected to participate in the Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS) race two weeks later, after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He will drive a Ferrari 296 GT3 for the Emil Frey Racing team, with which he has already set an unofficial record on the Green Hell.
A Stated Passion for Endurance Racing
The young F1 champion has expressed his desire to engage in other disciplines, particularly endurance racing. In an interview last November, he shared his attraction to races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona, as well as the different pace of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Is this foray into GT racing just an escape from the pressures of F1 or the beginning of a future career change?