Max Verstappen’s Aspiration to Conquer Endurance Racing: A New Chapter in Motorsport
Renowned Formula 1 star Max Verstappen has long harbored ambitions beyond the F1 circuit, with a particular interest in endurance racing’s most prestigious events. Recent activities, including a GT3 test with Emil Frey Racing at the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife-where he drove under the alias Franz Hermann-have fueled widespread speculation that Verstappen is eyeing participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This race, celebrated for its grueling challenge and iconic track, appears to be increasingly on his radar.
Securing the Right to Race: The FIA License
Participation in endurance events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours requires drivers to possess a specific FIA license. Verstappen has already obtained this license, having applied approximately two weeks prior to the Spanish Grand Prix. In an interview, he revealed that he decided to apply proactively, aiming to streamline the process: “I applied because I knew I’d want it eventually, so I thought it was best to get it out of the way,” Verstappen explained. “The process is straightforward-fill out the form, pay the fee, and within a week, you get your approval.”
His application was successful, and he now holds a platinum FIA license-the highest classification available. Interestingly, Verstappen joked about his initial hope for a bronze license, but he acknowledged that his current status grants him access to the top-tier licenses.
The Significance of a Platinum License
Verstappen’s platinum license is a direct result of his status as a Formula 1 superlicense holder. F1 drivers are automatically classified as platinum when applying for an FIA license, although they must still formally apply for it. Currently, only a select group of F1 drivers-such as Fernando Alonso, Nico Hülkenberg, Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Franco Colapinto-are listed as platinum, emphasizing the exclusivity of this category.
Beyond F1, the FIA grants platinum status to drivers who have achieved top-five finishes in Tier 1 championships, including the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Supercars, Formula E, and IndyCar. Drivers performing at a level comparable to existing platinum drivers can also qualify, reflecting their high skill and experience.
The Pathway to Endurance Racing Glory
The FIA’s licensing framework, introduced in 2015, aims to create a level playing field in multi-driver endurance races, where driver skill and experience are critical. To compete in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Daytona, or Spa, drivers must hold an appropriate FIA license. The system is designed to prevent drivers with vastly different experience levels from competing in the same class, ensuring safety and fairness.
With his FIA platinum license, Verstappen is theoretically eligible to participate in iconic endurance races such as Le Mans. While he has expressed genuine interest, some team managers, including Red Bull’s Christian Horner, have been more cautious. Historically, drivers have balanced F1 commitments with endurance racing, but increasing professionalism and calendar congestion have made simultaneous participation more challenging.
The Road to Nürburgring and Spa
To race in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen must complete a specific qualification process. This involves classroom sessions and participation in two Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) races, where drivers must demonstrate their ability to handle the demanding Nordschleife and the associated GT3 class. Unfortunately, this year’s schedule conflicts with other commitments, such as the Canadian Grand Prix, making it impossible for Verstappen to fulfill these requirements at present.
However, with his FIA license, Verstappen could also compete in the 24 Hours of Spa, a marquee event in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. He is already registered with Verstappen.com Racing, driving an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 alongside teammates Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham, and Harry King. Although the entry list includes a placeholder, the likelihood of Verstappen himself participating remains slim due to scheduling conflicts.
Opportunities in the Autumn Season
Looking ahead, Red Bull’s talent development chief Helmut Marko indicated that Verstappen’s focus remains on F1’s world championship. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that opportunities in endurance racing could arise later in the year. “Max’s passion for motorsport extends beyond F1,” Marko stated. “While our immediate priority is the F1 title, I believe autumn might bring chances for him to explore other racing avenues, provided he has our approval.”
Family Ties and Future Le Mans Ventures
Verstappen has previously expressed a desire to race alongside his father, Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver and rally enthusiast. Jos, who once held a platinum license, now has a gold classification due to his recent inactivity and age. Although he remains passionate about motorsport, he considers Le Mans a distant prospect, citing the physical demands and logistical challenges involved.
Should they team up, it’s likely they would aim for the LMP2 class at Le Mans, which allows for mixed driver lineups and is more accessible for drivers with different experience levels. The top-tier Hypercars class, dominated by manufacturer entries, remains less feasible for guest drivers like the Verstappens, especially given the strict driver line-up regulations.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in Verstappen’s Racing Journey
Max Verstappen’s pursuit of endurance racing success signifies a new chapter in his illustrious career. With his FIA platinum license secured, he is well-positioned to explore opportunities in iconic races such as Le Mans and Spa. While balancing F1 commitments remains a priority, the passion for racing beyond the circuit is evident. As the motorsport world watches, Verstappen’s potential transition into endurance racing could redefine his legacy and inspire a new generation of drivers eager to conquer multiple disciplines.
