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Max Verstappen recently undertook his debut in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), aiming to secure the coveted Category A DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN). While he completed the necessary 14 laps in the #980 Cayman, an unfortunate incident involving his second car, the #89 Cayman, during qualifying complicated matters. Despite this setback, the DPN-Committee is anticipated to grant him the permit, acknowledging his performance and the specific circumstances of the race. This event also highlighted the continued supremacy of Falken Motorsports, who maintained their strong record in the series with yet another victory.

Verstappen's participation in the NLS debut was a significant step towards obtaining the Category A DPN, a crucial license for competing in certain Nurburgring endurance races. The regulations typically demand two classified finishes to meet the criteria. However, his co-driver, Chris Lulham, in the #89 Cayman, was unable to complete a single lap after starting from the pitlane due to qualifying damage. This meant Verstappen technically lacked the second classified finish usually required.

Nevertheless, the DMSB's DPN-Committee is in place to assess such unique situations. Given that the damaged car officially commenced the race, and Verstappen himself completed the mandated 14 laps without any sporting infractions, demonstrating impressive pace in his Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS across diverse track conditions, his chances of receiving the Permit A are very high. The committee often considers the spirit of the rules and a driver's overall competence rather than strict adherence in cases of unforeseen circumstances.

While Verstappen's immediate NLS schedule includes skipping Sunday's races, anticipation is building for his return on September 27th. He is expected to compete in an Emil Frey Ferrari, with aspirations for an outright victory. This upcoming appearance will further showcase his versatility and commitment to endurance racing.

In the broader context of the NLS race, Falken Motorsports reaffirmed their dominant position. Their #3 Porsche, driven by Julien Andlauer and Joel Sturm, proved to be an unstoppable force. Despite an early challenge from the HRT Ford GT #6, Falken's Michelin tires displayed superior consistency, allowing them to reclaim the lead before the initial round of pit stops. The sister #4 Porsche also engaged in a fierce battle for second place, underscoring Falken's overall strength.

The race took an unexpected turn on lap 18 when a sudden rain shower drenched the northern section of the circuit. This created chaotic conditions, catching out many teams on slick tires. While several smaller class cars were forced to retire due to collisions, the frontrunners, including Falken, skillfully navigated the treacherous track. In the aftermath of the rain, the #3 Porsche significantly extended its lead, ultimately securing Falken's 13th Porsche victory in the last 15 NLS races, solidifying Porsche's unbeaten streak in the 2025 NLS season.

Verstappen's NLS debut, though not without its technical hitches, demonstrated his exceptional driving capabilities and adherence to the racing spirit. The expected granting of his DPN A license reflects a pragmatic approach by the committee, acknowledging his impressive performance and potential. Meanwhile, Falken Motorsports' continued triumphs highlight their strategic expertise and the reliability of their machinery, setting a high bar for future competitions in the series.

Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has officially secured the highly sought-after DMSB Permit A, a crucial credential for drivers aspiring to pilot GT3 machinery on the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife. This achievement paves the way for his deeper involvement in endurance racing, including a potential entry into the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Verstappen's Nordschleife Milestone: A Detailed Report

This past weekend, Max Verstappen, a prominent figure in the racing world, focused his efforts on obtaining the necessary DMSB Permit A, which authorizes participation in top-tier events on the formidable Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. The process began on Friday with a theoretical examination, which he successfully passed, allowing him to enter the seventh round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken Series (NLS) on Saturday. Verstappen partnered with Chris Lulham, representing Verstappen.com Racing, in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS, specially prepared by Lionspeed GP with a slightly reduced power output.

Verstappen's primary objective during the four-hour race was to complete a minimum of fourteen laps, distributing his driving duties across two cars: car #89 and car #980. While he managed to fulfill the fourteen-lap mandate in car #980, an unfortunate incident during qualifying prevented him from driving car #89. Consequently, he did not meet all the stipulated criteria for the DMSB Permit A. However, after a thorough review of the circumstances, the DPN committee made an exceptional decision to award him the license.

Reflecting on his inaugural Nordschleife racing experience, Verstappen expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am pleased that everything proceeded smoothly and that I now hold the DMSB Permit Nordschleife. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as is always the case here. It was particularly beneficial to navigate these challenging conditions with other vehicles, encompassing both faster and slower traffic. I encountered various racing scenarios, including 'code 60' neutralizations, double yellow flags, and standard yellow flags.”

He further elaborated on the diverse conditions he encountered: “I drove in the rain, on a dry track, and in transitional conditions. This enabled me to discern areas of varying grip levels and to execute a race start. Gaining this additional experience on such a unique circuit was truly rewarding.”

With the DMSB Permit A now secured, Verstappen is no longer required to participate in NLS8, the subsequent race of the endurance series scheduled for Sunday. Instead, his focus shifts to the ninth round of the NLS in two weeks' time, where he will be eligible to compete in a GT3 car, with Emil Frey Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 being the most probable choice. Verstappen’s ultimate ambition is to contend in the premier class of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, underscoring his deep appreciation for the track: “There is no other circuit quite like the Nordschleife. It presents an immense challenge; today demonstrated how a single long lap can feature both dry and wet sections, with asphalt conditions varying significantly across the circuit. This intricate nature is precisely what makes it so exceptional. The prospect of racing a GT3 car here for 24 hours would be an extraordinary endeavor.”

Max Verstappen's pursuit and successful acquisition of the DMSB Permit A underscore the rigorous standards and unique challenges presented by the Nürburgring Nordschleife. His ability to adapt to diverse track conditions, coupled with the DPN committee's flexible yet discerning judgment, highlights the blend of talent and pragmatism essential in professional motorsports. This event not only marks a personal milestone for Verstappen but also invigorates the endurance racing scene, promising thrilling future competitions as he steps into the elite GT3 class on one of the world's most demanding circuits. His enthusiasm for the Nordschleife reinforces its legendary status among drivers and fans alike, reminding us of the enduring allure of raw, uncompromised racing.