Max Verstappen and his FIA Platinum license: what prospects outside F1?
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen recently took the next step in his career by obtaining an FIA driver's license. Ranked directly in the highest category, the Red Bull driver opens the door to several opportunities in endurance and GT racing, although the reality of his schedule and the rules impose certain limits.
Max Verstappen officially submitted his license application to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) shortly before the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. This document, essential for participating in renowned endurance competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans or Daytona, is not a mere formality. But in the Dutchman’s case, obtaining the license was almost automatic.
« I filled out the form, paid the fees, and a week later, I got the response », Verstappen told the press. Due to his status as a Formula 1 driver holding a super license, he is immediately classified in the Platinum category, the highest distinction in the classification system established by the FIA in 2015. This system aims to balance competition in multi-driver races, based on the experience and level of each participant.
In addition to F1 drivers, the Platinum category also includes those who have finished in the top 5 of major championships like the WEC, Formula 2, Formula E, or IndyCar. A recognition of their talent and achievements.
A 24-Hour Dream… but Obstacles to Overcome
Max Verstappen has long harbored the ambition to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a legendary endurance car race. After a recent GT3 test with Emil Frey Racing on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife, where he drove under a pseudonym to remain discreet, rumors also suggest interest in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
However, participating in this race requires a specific process, which includes training and prior participation in two races of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) to obtain the necessary A license to drive in GT3 on this unique circuit combining the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix track. However, Verstappen’s schedule no longer allows him to meet these conditions this season, making his participation unlikely in the short term.
Intense competition, strict rules, as well as overlapping sports calendars are real obstacles. For example, the 24 Hours of Le Mans often coincides with the Canadian Grand Prix, making a dual commitment nearly impossible as long as Verstappen continues his career in F1.
GT and Endurance Opportunities Beyond Formula 1
Thanks to his Platinum license, Verstappen could also participate in other major endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of Spa, which is the most important GT3 event in Europe. He is already associated with the Verstappen.com Racing team, competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, notably with an Aston Martin Vantage GT3. However, due to his Platinum status, he cannot race in the Gold Cup category where the team is registered, unless the team changes categories.
Christian Horner, Red Bull boss, acknowledges Verstappen’s desire to venture beyond Formula 1, but reminds that the priority must remain the world championship. « It would be complicated to prevent him, but it is not about missing a Grand Prix », he emphasizes. The dense and demanding F1 season naturally limits the possibilities for regular outings in endurance or GT.
A family project that inspires dreams: Verstappen father and son at Le Mans?
Another interesting aspect lies in Max Verstappen’s expressed desire to race at Le Mans one day with his father Jos, a former F1 driver. Jos Verstappen, once classified as Platinum, has seen his status downgraded to Gold due to his prolonged inactivity and age. This reclassification is in accordance with FIA rules that adjust licenses based on recent experience and drivers’ age.
If the father-son pair were ever to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it would probably be in the LMP2 category, the only one open to their combination of licenses, as LMGT3 requires the presence of at least one Bronze driver. Nevertheless, official teams in the Hypercar and LMP2 classes are often made up of fixed crews, making their presence hypothetical.
Jos Verstappen is also cautious: “I’m not fast enough for Max, so I prefer to set aside this idea for now,” he recently admitted.
Between ambitions and realities, Verstappen forges his path
Obtaining a FIA Platinum license undoubtedly opens up new opportunities for Max Verstappen, allowing him to dream of a diverse and extended sports career beyond F1. However, the reality of the schedule, regulatory constraints, and physical demands currently limit his appearances in endurance or GT racing.
