Kimi Antonelli aims for Nordschleife A Permit by end of 2026, following Verstappen's path

Kimi Antonelli has set his sights on obtaining the A Permit required to race at the Nordschleife by the end of 2026, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Max Verstappen. The Mercedes driver, currently leading the F1 championship after a stunning run of three consecutive wins, revealed his ambition during a conversation with GT racing teammate Jules Gounon.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's pursuit of a Nordschleife permit underscores his desire to expand his racing portfolio beyond Formula 1, mirroring Verstappen's recent foray into GT racing. It highlights the growing trend of F1 drivers seeking versatility and the prestige of conquering the Nürburgring's infamous Nordschleife — a challenge that demands unique skill and commitment.

The details:

• F1 form: Antonelli has taken three pole positions and three victories in the last three Grands Prix, becoming the youngest driver ever to lead a Formula 1 world championship after leapfrogging the competition in Japan. His lead over his teammate now stands at 20 points.
• A Permit explained: The A Permit is the highest racing licence level for the Nordschleife, required to compete in top-tier GT3 machinery (SP9 category) in events like the 24h Nürburgring and the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
• Gradual process: Drivers must gain experience through lower-class races, maintain clean driving standards, and complete dedicated training courses. Penalties or incidents can delay approval.
• Antonelli's target: “I’m going to get it… I’ll try by the end of the year,” he told Gounon, setting a clear goal amid his packed F1 schedule.

What's next:

While Antonelli's primary focus remains on F1, his Nordschleife permit target is set for late 2026. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is competing in this weekend's 24h Nürburgring, sharing his Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer — a team built through months of testing and recent outings at the Green Hell.