Helmut Marko raises unusual point after successful Max Verstappen test

Helmut Marko has blamed "bureaucracy" for Max Verstappen being made to obtain a rookie licence for the Nurburgring. 

Verstappen sampled a Porsche Cayman GT3 machine at the Nordschleife last weekend in a bid to obtain his licence to ultimately compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, next scheduled for May 2026 between the Miami and Canadian GPs.

The Dutchman's licence included driving around with an instructor in a tuned-down machine and completing a minimum number of laps, with the licence being obtained after a stewards panel cleared him after the second car he was required to drive suffered mechanical difficulties. 

Reflecting on his charge's efforts, Marko made the point to criticise what he called "German bureaucracy."

Fortunately, he passed [all the other cars]," the Austrian told oe24. 

"It is unbelievable that he has to do that, but that's just German bureaucracy.

"I was positive about this adventure from the beginning. I think it's great that someone who lives in this Formula 1 bubble is focusing on real motor sport.

"I know it all too well. I have driven all kinds of races there, right up to the legendary 24 Hours. Certain corners still stand out to me, and it's funny that I can talk to Max about them now. 

"But he already knew the Nordschleife through and through, having driven there a thousand times on the simulator."