P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen’s performance has prompted a (digital) revolution in how drivers can qualify to race in the Nordschleife’s endurance series
Max Verstappen’s unexpected debut and victory in the GT3 category at the Nürburgring earlier this year had significant implications beyond just the racing world, leading to a major overhaul of the Nordschleife’s licensing system.
His previous influence on Formula 1 resulted in a change in the minimum age requirement for drivers after he debuted at 17, prompting the age limit to be raised to 18.
Verstappen’s participation in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) race forced the German motorsport governance to reconsider its regulations, as all drivers must now obtain the DMSB Nordschleife Permit Grade A before racing there.
The DMSB recently announced a groundbreaking reform where sim racing, particularly DNLS, is now recognized as valid experience towards obtaining a real-world Nordschleife permit, in recognition of the importance of virtual preparation.
By successfully blending real-world racing with simulation training, Verstappen’s impact has been influential in shaping this new approach and emphasizing the significance of virtual racing within the traditional motorsport framework.
