Max Verstappen to Race in NLS 7 at Nürburgring

Max Verstappen in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie: all you need to know

The motorsport world is about to witness a historic moment: Max Verstappen, current four-time Formula 1 World Champion, will compete this weekend in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), specifically in rounds 7 and 8 held on the NLS layout, combining both the GP and the legendary Nordschleife circuits, also known as the Green Hell.

While Verstappen is already a household name in Formula 1, his move into endurance racing at Nürburgring is both symbolic and thrilling. The Dutchman wants to prove not only that he can dominate single-seaters but also that he has what it takes to face one of the most demanding and iconic circuits in the world.

The Nordschleife is unforgiving: over 20 kilometers of corners, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather conditions turn each lap into an extreme challenge. Racing here isn’t just about competing against rivals—it’s about battling yourself. Verstappen now seems determined to take on this legendary track with the same fire he shows in every Grand Prix.

In this article, we’ll cover what the NLS is, the details of Verstappen’s participation, the cars he may drive, the permits he needs to secure, and why this debut is creating so much excitement among motorsport fans worldwide. Buckle up for a ride straight into the Green Hell.

What is the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS)?

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), formerly known as VLN, is a German endurance racing series contested on the Nordschleife circuit. For many drivers, racing here is both a dream and a stepping stone toward legendary events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

One of the championship’s most iconic traits is its multi-class format: you’ll find powerful GT3 (SP9) machines sharing the track with GT4 cars, touring cars, and even smaller compacts. This blend makes the competition unpredictable, forces constant overtaking, and demands razor-sharp focus.

Max Verstappen’s Debut at NLS

Although this weekend will mark his official debut in the NLS, Verstappen has already tested the Nordschleife in the past. Interestingly, he did it under the alias “Franz Hermann”, a fake name used to keep his training sessions under wraps and avoid media attention.

During those private runs, Verstappen even set eye-catching lap times, proving he was already working on mastering the circuit. However, those were unofficial tests. Now, for the first time, he’ll compete under his real name, with the eyes of the world watching.

Why is this debut generating so much buzz?

The hype surrounding Verstappen’s debut comes down to several factors:

Personal challenge: He’s conquered almost everything in F1, but endurance racing is a brand-new arena.
Legendary circuit: Not every F1 champion dares to race at Nordschleife.
Future ambitions: Verstappen has hinted at a desire to race in endurance series. Nürburgring could be a stepping stone toward the 24 Hours of Le Mans or 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Fan curiosity: People are eager to see how he performs in a less polished, more raw racing environment where pure driving skill matters more than high-tech strategy.

That’s why this weekend’s races are not just another appearance—they’re a true test of Verstappen’s versatility.

Details of his participation in NLS rounds 7 & 8

Dates, schedules, and race format

Verstappen will compete in two back-to-back rounds this weekend:

Round 7 – ADAC ACAS Cup (Saturday)
Round 8 – 64th Reinoldus Endurance Race (Sunday)

Each event will last around four hours, following the standard NLS format. This means Verstappen will need to quickly adapt to traffic, changing track conditions, and pit strategies.

On Friday, before the races, he must also pass a theory exam at the DMSB Academy, adding an extra layer of pressure to his debut.

Initially, Verstappen is expected to race with a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS in a mid-tier category, likely for the Lionspeed GP team. This step is mandatory, as regulations require drivers to gain experience before jumping into faster, more powerful cars like GT3s.

But that’s not his ultimate goal. Verstappen has his eyes set on driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing, possibly in the next round later this month.

Though he’ll begin with the Porsche, all eyes are on the Ferrari 296 GT3. This machine represents the elite of GT3 racing, and Verstappen has already signaled his ambition to race it in the next round on September 27.

That step will only be possible if he secures the necessary permit and shows strong performances. With his natural skill, many believe it’s only a matter of time before we see Verstappen battling in a Ferrari GT3 at Nürburgring.

The challenge of the DPN (DMSB Permit Nordschleife)

The DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN) is a special license required to compete at Nordschleife. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Formula 1 world champion—everyone must earn it.

This permit ensures that every driver understands the circuit’s unique challenges: heavy traffic, multi-class racing, and safety procedures. It’s essentially a filter to prevent reckless behavior on the most dangerous track in the world.

How Verstappen can obtain the DMSB

The usual process involves:

Theory exam at the DMSB Academy.
Participation in lower categories like GT4 to gain track experience.
Proving safety and performance on track during actual races.

Verstappen must pass the theory test on Friday before being cleared to race that weekend. From there, his progression depends on performance and compliance with safety protocols.

Advantages of being an FIA Platinum driver

Of course, Verstappen isn’t just any driver—he holds the FIA Platinum license, reserved for the best of the best. This status allows him to potentially fast-track the process, since the DMSB can issue higher permits faster for elite drivers.

In fact, by competing with two different cars in one event, Verstappen could directly qualify for a higher-level permit (Permit A), skipping some of the usual steps. This means he could find himself behind the wheel of a GT3 car much sooner than fans expect.

Conclusión

Max Verstappen’s participation in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie 7 and 8 is a landmark moment in motorsport. Not every day does a reigning F1 world champion put himself to the test in the most dangerous, unpredictable circuit on Earth.

Regardless of results, what matters is his willingness to embrace the challenge. It proves Verstappen isn’t just chasing records—he’s chasing the essence of racing itself.

The Green Hell will now witness a new chapter in the Dutchman’s career, and fans around the world will be glued to their screens to see how the king of Formula 1 fares against the wildest beast in motorsport.

FAQs

1. When will Max Verstappen race at Nürburgring?
This weekend, during rounds 7 and 8 of the NLS, on Saturday and Sunday.

2. What car will Verstappen drive in his debut?
He will start with a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS, but his long-term goal is the Ferrari 296 GT3.

3. Does he need a special permit to race?
Yes, the DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN), which ensures drivers are properly trained for the unique challenges of Nordschleife.

4. Where can the races be watched?
They will be live streamed on Motorsport.tv and the NLS official YouTube channel.

5. What does this step mean for Verstappen’s career?
It marks the start of his potential journey into endurance racing, possibly leading to iconic events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring or Le Mans.