What is an NLS Permit and why does Max Verstappen want one?

What is an NLS Permit and why does Max Verstappen want one?

By Evan Dalton


Unsurprisingly, another weekend of motorsport has concluded and all the talk is about Max Verstappen. The surprise this time, however, is the chatter not being about his Formula 1 achievements, but rather how he has been spending his spare time racing at one of the most famous circuits in the world, battling with semi-professionals, all in order to earn a license so he can take a step towards competing in one of his dream races - the Nurburgring 24 Hours. 


To participate in events at ‘The Green Hell,’ it is mandatory to earn your NLS racing permit, even if you’re a four time Formula 1 world champion. It is a complicated process, but one that can be completed by anyone looking to participate in Nurburgring competition. So how is it done? 


What is an NLS Racing Permit? 

To give the licence its official name, it is the DMSB Permit Nordschleife, but more commonly known as either the ‘Nordschleife Licence,’ or ‘Nordschleife Permit.’ 


The permit was brought in to further improve safety during races at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which throughout history, has been one of world’s most dangerous motorsport facilities. Since the German circuit started hosting motor races, almost a century ago, 69 competitors have been involved in fatal accidents, the most recent occurring in 2013.


The permit was brought in two years before this, in 2011, but has undergone significant changes in both 2015 and 2025. The current format for the permit ensures that a certain level of experience on the Nordschleife is present, as well as a knowledge of the regulations, good behavior on track and the ideal racing line.


The permit is required for all drivers who race in either the famous Nurburgring 24 hours, or, the series Verstappen did his test in, the Nurburgring Langstrecken Series [NLS]. 


How does the NLS work?

NLS is an endurance motorsport series hosted at the Nurburgring, that was founded in 1977, when nine different motor clubs merged to form one overall club, Deutscher Motorsport Verband [DMV]. Each ‘member’ club of the DMV, is responsible for hosting one of the nine rounds of NLS. A race in NLS can range from three to six hours.


NLS is regarded worldwide as one of the most diverse racing competitions in the world, with a multitude of car manufacturers and classes on offer. The cars are banded into four overall categories, Special Production Cars [SP], TCR Touring Cars, Cup Cars and Historic Cars. The SP class is divided again based on engine type, with the more powerful GT3 cars grouped as SP9, and the slightly smaller GT4 cars grouped as SP10.


So, for Verstappen to race the famous Nurburgring 24 Hour, he needs to earn his ‘Grade A Permit,’ that will allow him to race in GT3 cars.


The process of earning your permit

First and foremost, drivers with an FIA International Race Licence, grade D or higher, can apply for a Grade B Permit after completing an e-learning module, which allows them to race in the SP10 [GT4] category. Verstappen has his FIA Super Licence, which is much higher in the order of merit than Grade D. 


To then advance this into a Grade A permit, a driver must first go out with a driving instructor to learn the circuit, and yes, one of the greatest drivers ever, still has to do this. With that step completed, it’s on to racing the circuit. 


A driver must complete two races in Grade B machinery in order to advance, however there are specific targets that need to be met. You must complete a minimum of 18 laps in each race, with one classified finish in the top 75% of your class, and another in the top 33%, with a minimum of one third of that race being completed by yourself. 


Verstappen, who has a busy schedule to contend with, decided to enter two cars into the race to complete the targets in one day. Alongside teammate Chris Lulhalm, they shared the reigns of two Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS’, sporting the numbers #89 and #980. In order to register this car as a ‘Permit B’ car, it had to be detuned, therefore was down on power compared to regular GT3 and GT4 machinery, and raced in a separate ‘CUP3 GUEST’ class. 


The #89 suffered an engine issue on the very first lap, but a trouble free race in the #980 car saw both Verstappen and Lulham reach the finish. 


Although the two race completion regulation was not met, the DMV are granted powers to award permits to those who show an exceptional standard. In this case, both Verstappen and Lulhalm were granted their Nurburgring Permit A. 


Next on the cards for the pair, is the next round of NLS, with a debut in GT3 on the horizon. Both Verstappen and Lulhalm are in the lineup for Emil Frey Racing in their Ferrari 296, with nothing other than a win on their bingo cards.


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