Max Verstappen sets sights on Nordschleife permit after GT3 testing

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is reportedly planning to obtain a DMSB Nordschleife permit, according to a report from Auto Motor und Sport.

This comes after Verstappen took part in a GT3 test at the Nürburgring in a Ferrari 296 GT3. Initially trying to keep his presence unknown by using the pseudonym, Franz Hermann, Verstappen eventually shared photos from the event.

The permit, which the Dutchman is reportedly looking to obtain, is a requirement to participate in official Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie events and the 24-hour race at the legendary track.

Verstappen has often spoken about his passion for all types of motor racing. He is keen to take part in other disciplines when he decides to leave F1. He previously talked about his future in GT3:

“It all started with Team Redline in sim racing.

“With Verstappen.com Racing we are sponsoring and supporting various racing activities from people close to me. We are also active in DTM and the GTWC Sprint with Thierry Vermeulen [the son of Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen] and with my father in rallying, but the end goal is to put together our own race team.

“We will start in the GT3 class, and then we will see where the ship strands at some point. If it breaks…” 

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images

He added: “When I do something, I want to do it well. I want to win, even with this. And it’s about being able to create a stepping stone from sim racing to GT3. So that you can not only end up in motorsport through karting, because that costs a lot of money at the moment.

“You never know how things will turn out, but ambitions are always there. Of course, it depends on how many good people we will have in the team and how much know-how there is, but it would be nice if we could grow to the highest level in endurance racing.

“We are working on it at the moment,” he said of the time frame. “Next year [2024] will be tight, but I would like to have it as soon as possible. Having a GT3 team in 2025 with a minimum of two cars should be possible.

“We have been working on it for a while. The planning phase is over, we are in action mode now."