Nürburgring driver stripped of licence after 201 km/h safety breach

Oleksandr Kosohov, driving a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS for Muhlner Motorsport, was stripped of his Nordschleife licence after hitting 201 km/h (130 mph) in a double‑yellow flag zone at the Nürburgring last weekend. The stewards imposed a 95‑second stop‑and‑go penalty, immediate disqualification from the event, and a blanket withdrawal of his DNP licence.

Why it matters:

• The Nordschleife’s safety model depends on absolute compliance with flag signals; exceeding the 120 km/h limit by 81 km/h puts marshals and competitors at serious risk.
• A licence revocation sends a clear, zero‑tolerance message from the FIA and Nürburgring officials that dangerous conduct will be met with the harshest penalties.
• The incident coincided with a tragic multi‑car crash that claimed the life of Juha Miettinen, intensifying scrutiny over safety protocols on the 20.8‑km circuit.
• Stripping a DNP licence is rare and underscores how seriously the governing body treats breaches on one of motorsport’s most demanding tracks.

The details:

• Speed breach: Car #999 entered the double‑yellow zone at 201 km/h, far above the prescribed 120 km/h (74 mph) limit.
• Stewards’ verdict: “Car #999 failed to respect the double‑yellow flag signal… immediate disqualification and withdrawal of the DPN licence.”
• Penalty: A 95‑second stop‑and‑go to be served in the next race after the first lap.
• Licence impact: The DNP licence is mandatory for any competition on the Nordschleife; its revocation bars Kosohov from all future events there.
• Related incidents: Max Verstappen and Lucas Auer received a three‑place grid penalty after contact, later finishing 39th after extensive repairs.
• Safety review: Following Miettinen’s fatal crash, Nürburgring organizers announced a review of flag‑deployment procedures and consideration of tighter speed‑monitoring systems.

What's next:

• Kosohov has 21 days to appeal the decision, but reinstatement will likely require a demonstrable remediation plan and a clean safety record.
• The FIA is expected to issue updated safety directives for the Nordschleife ahead of the upcoming 24‑Hour race, focusing on real‑time speed enforcement and stricter flag compliance.
• Teams eyeing the Nürburgring 24 Hours will operate under heightened scrutiny, with any further infractions subject to immediate disqualification and potential licence suspension.