Max Verstappen opens door for summer break outing after learning of FIA driver rating

Max Verstappen has confirmed receiving an unsurprising 'platinum' driver rating from the FIA after making an application, opening the door for an upcoming GT drive.

Dependent on the level of competition in which a driver has competed, ratings are awarded by motorsport's world governing body, and are categorised as platinum, gold, silver and bronze.

Four-time F1 champion Verstappen has been handed the highest category rating, one of only six current F1 drivers to be awarded platinum, alongside Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, Nico Hulkenberg, Lance Stroll and Franco Colapinto.

An F1 driver generally applies for a rating if the intention is to race in sports cars. Alonso and Hulkenberg did so to compete in WEC; Norris and Stroll in the 24 Hours of Daytona, and Colapinto in Le Mans and ELMS.

There is a suggestion that Red Bull driver Verstappen will compete in the KW 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen, which forms part of the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie, on August 16. This event sits in the middle of F1's upcoming summer break.

Applying for the driver rating is not an affirmation that Verstappen will take part, but should he opt to do so, it avoids the FIA from rushing through the process should he show at the last minute.

Asked whether he had asked for a FIA driver rating, Verstappen replied: "I applied because I have to do it at some point, so it's better I get it out of the way.

"It's super easy. It's just a form you fill in, you pay, and a week later you have the answer."

Verstappen, who confirmed he applied two weeks ago, then joked: "I was secretly hoping for a bronze rating. I might appeal the platinum, [and] get silver at least."