Today, the four-time world champion visited the legendary German circuit with the aim of completing the mandatory training and obtaining the DMSB Permit Nordschleife, which is required to take part in the renowned NLS (Nürburgring Endurance Series).

If he successfully passes the test—which includes both a practical on-track assessment and a theoretical exam afterward—Verstappen will be able to race this weekend in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS of the Lionspeed GP team, already spotted earlier today.

This would represent the first step towards his next, and openly stated, goal: competing in the GT3 class.

The Australian left Formula 1 after he was replaced by Liam Lawson at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix by Racing Bulls, going on to retire just a few months later.

However, his time in racing is far from over, as it was announced that the 36-year-old would become an ambassador of Ford, while also announcing a complete retirement from racing altogether.

Ford will return to the world of F1 after a 22-year absence from the sport, collaborating with Red Bull on their powertrain for the 2026 season as it moves on from their historical collaboration with Honda.

With Ford joining forces with the Austrian team, it marks a return for Ricciardo to the Red Bull family he was a part of for the majority of his F1 career.  

"I'm sure everybody will love to see Daniel back in the paddock, and we are going to perhaps have that thanks to Ford Racing,'' Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said about him.