Max Verstappen completes NLS debut at the Nürburgring, a key step towards Permit A

In the 2025 ADAC ACAS Cup Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen drove a depowered Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (approximately 300 horsepower) in the Cup 3 class for Lionspeed GP. He qualified sixth in his class and, in the race, partnered with teammate Chris Lulham for at least 14 laps, ultimately finishing seventh in Cup 3 and 27th overall.

Furthermore, despite the limited car conditions and specifications (reduced power and a significant gap to more powerful cars like the GT3), Verstappen demonstrated rapid adaptation and consistent control on the Nordschleife. Following evaluation, the Racing Licensing Committee granted him a Category A permit for the Nordschleife, allowing him to compete in future GT3-class events there.

For this longtime F1 champion, this first endurance race at the Nordschleife was not only a chance to build his skills and experience, but also a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his field. He successfully navigated the uncertainties of the track, including alternating wet and dry conditions and the presence of neutral color sections (Code 60/yellow flags/double yellow). While some have criticized the licensing system for not offering special concessions to top drivers, Verstappen's solid performance paved the way for his next phase of driving higher-performance cars at the Nordschleife.