Max Verstappen Cleared to Race GT3 Cars on Nürburgring-Nordschleife

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is now cleared to race GT3 cars on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife, having secured the necessary license from German motorsport authorities.

Despite his numerous successes, the Dutchman was treated like a complete rookie on the 'Green Hell' and initially barred from competing in the most powerful GT3 machinery.

Instead, the 27-year-old was required to drive GT4 cars, albeit with restricted power.

Nevertheless, Verstappen delivered an impressive performance, completing the mandatory 14 racing laps without any significant errors or incidents.

The only minor setback was that the second car he drove yesterday failed to finish due to technical issues.

This prevented him from securing the two required race results on the Nordschleife.

However, German authorities still granted him the necessary license, allowing him to now compete in GT3 cars in races.

"I drove in wet, dry, and mixed conditions. I learned where there's more and less grip. It was good to gain more experience on the track."

The Red Bull driver added, "There's only one track like the Nordschleife. It's a very challenging circuit. Today showed that with such a long lap, one part can be dry while another is wet. The asphalt also varies in places. This complicates things, which is what makes the track so special. To race for 24 hours in a GT3 car here would be incredible."

Verstappen, who won the Italian GP, plans to return to the Eifel mountains in two weeks, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, to participate in his first GT3 race on the Nordschleife, once again as part of the NLS series.