Max obtains DMSB Permit Nordschleife: 'Amazing to contest 24-hour race here'

Published on 13 September 2025 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen achieved his goal during the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS7) this weekend by obtaining the DMSB Permit Nordschleife. It means the Dutchman can now participate in GT3 races at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, such as its famous 24 hours race. Despite his busy schedule, the four-time Formula 1 world champion is fuelled by his passion for racing to contest endurance races on iconic circuits across the world.

“I’m happy it all went smooth, and I got my DMSB Permit Nordschleife. I really enjoyed myself, but that’s always the case around here”, said Max. “It was good to drive stints in the race with traffic, both with faster and slower cars. There was also a ‘code 60’ race neutralisation, double waved yellows and a standard yellow flag. I drove in the wet, the dry and in mixed conditions. I’ve gained experience in where the grip is and isn’t and completed a start procedure. It was really good to gain more experience on this circuit.”

The 27-year-old really appreciates world-famous tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is regarded by many as one of the most difficult circuits in the world. The 20.8 km long circuit is nicknamed the ‘Green Hell’. “It’s challenging and today we saw that some parts of the track were dry and other parts wet. The track surface also differs around the circuit, which makes it difficult to string a lap together, but it’s also what makes it special. To contest a 24-hour race here, in a GT3 car, would be amazing.”

To obtain the special race license for the Nordschleife, Max entered a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS in the well-known Verstappen.com Racing x Red Bull-livery. Max participated in a wet qualifying on Saturday morning and clocked a 10:21.591 after which the F1 star was scheduled to take part in a 4-hour race in the afternoon alongside Chris Lulham. The latter is a 22-year-old Englishman who drives for Verstappen.com Racing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance and Sprint Cup.

On a damp but drying track, the race, featuring 114 cars, was unleashed following a rolling start procedure. Max enjoyed a problem free opening stint of seven laps, before taking on fuel and a set of new tyres at his first pit stop. After another seven-lap stint, in which the Dutchman clocked a personal best of 9:01.410 in the restricted GT4, Max handed over driving duties to Chris.

Following the driver swap, rain forced Chris to come back to the pits to bolt on wet weather tyres early in his stint. Once the rain eased, a final stop was required to finish the race on slicks. In the end, the number 980 finished in 27th, completing 24 laps. Together with the number 89 entry, a car also driven by Max and Chris this weekend, both drivers successfully fulfilled the requirements to receive the DMSB Permit Nordschleife.