Max Verstappen to Miss Next Race After Nordschleife Outing

Max Verstappen to Miss Next Race After Nordschleife Outing

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has confirmed he will not be competing in the next round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS), following a whirlwind weekend in Germany where he made his debut in the endurance championship.

Fresh off a commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Verstappen had a rare gap in Formula 1’s jam-packed 24-race schedule. While many of his rivals opted to spend their free weekend resting and recharging, the Dutchman instead chose to expand his racing horizons. After fulfilling Pirelli tyre test duties in Italy, Verstappen traveled straight to the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, setting his sights on acquiring the coveted DMSB Permit A. The license is a mandatory requirement for drivers wishing to compete in high-performance machinery such as GT3 cars on the infamous German circuit.

The 27-year-old’s pursuit began on Friday, September 12, when he successfully passed the mandatory theory exam. With the first step cleared, Verstappen was then allowed to participate in the seventh round of the NLS the following day. Regulations required him to complete a minimum of 14 laps across the four-hour endurance contest, driving two different cars — the #980 and the #89.

During Saturday’s event on September 13, Verstappen managed to achieve the full 14 laps in the #980 entry. However, his efforts in the #89 car were cut short after it suffered damage during qualifying. Because of that setback, he was unable to fulfill the complete driving requirements originally laid out for the Permit A license.

Despite not fully meeting the conditions, Verstappen’s application was reviewed by officials, and an exception was made. He was officially granted the Permit A, clearing the way for him to race GT3 machinery at the Nordschleife in the future.

As a result of securing the license, Verstappen will no longer need to take part in the eighth round of the NLS, scheduled for Sunday, September 14. His absence has already been confirmed, meaning fans who flocked to Germany to see him in action — as well as the vast online audience that tuned in — will miss out on watching him race this time.

The Dutchman’s one-off appearance created a wave of excitement among motorsport followers, both at the track and online. Attendance swelled thanks to his entry, while the official livestream of the event on YouTube drew in 1.3 million viewers, a huge number for the series, demonstrating Verstappen’s star power beyond Formula 1.

While some supporters may be disappointed that he won’t continue immediately in the NLS, the bigger picture is positive. With the Permit A now secured, Verstappen has opened the door to competing at the highest levels of GT racing. In fact, he is already expected to make his return to the Nürburgring for the ninth round of the championship, taking place on September 26–27. That weekend conveniently falls during another gap in the F1 calendar, just before the Singapore Grand Prix.

For Verstappen, the weekend was about more than just securing paperwork — it was a statement of intent. His willingness to test himself on one of the toughest circuits in the world shows his passion for racing extends far beyond Formula 1. Now armed with the Permit A, the reigning champion can look forward to exploring new challenges in endurance racing while continuing his relentless pursuit of more F1 success.