In a revealing conversation captured on video and shared by the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Formula 1 championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli has outlined an ambitious personal goal for the end of the current racing season. The young Italian driver disclosed his intention to obtain the specific Permit A license required to compete at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.
The exchange took place with Jules Gounon, a professional driver who partners with reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen in endurance racing events at the German track. Gounon initiated the topic by asking Antonelli directly about his licensing timeline. After a brief moment of clarification where Antonelli initially misunderstood the question, he confirmed his target. "I should get it... I'll try at the end of the year," Antonelli stated, indicating a concrete plan is in place.
This ambition places Antonelli in notable company. Gounon was quick to point out that Max Verstappen, Antonelli's primary rival for the 2025 F1 title, is "completely absorbed" by the Nürburgring. Verstappen has been a frequent competitor in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, showcasing a passion for the challenging 25-kilometer circuit that goes beyond his F1 commitments.
The Nürburgring Nordschleife, often called the "Green Hell," is one of the most demanding and dangerous circuits in the world. Obtaining a Permit A license is not a simple administrative task; it requires drivers to demonstrate exceptional skill and consistency through a series of graded assessments and race completions. The license is a prerequisite for competing in major endurance events held on the full circuit.
For Antonelli, who is currently leading the Formula 1 World Championship, this pursuit signals a deep-seated passion for motorsport that extends beyond the pinnacle of single-seater racing. It suggests a desire to test himself against one of the ultimate challenges in circuit racing, a path that has been followed by other F1 greats seeking to broaden their legacy.
nThe context of this revelation is also significant. It came during a WEC event, highlighting the interconnected nature of the global motorsport community. Drivers from different disciplines often share a mutual respect and interest in each other's challenges. Gounon's supportive comment, "Very happy for you. The season is going well," underscores the camaraderie that exists even among competitors.
Antonelli's focus, however, remains firmly on his current campaign. His response to Gounon's encouragement was a determined, "Yes, let's continue in the same vein." This indicates that while the Nürburgring license is a personal goal, his primary professional objective is to maintain his lead in the fiercely competitive Formula 1 championship.
The implications of this goal are twofold. Firstly, it adds another layer to the narrative of the 2025 F1 season, showing that its top two contenders share a passion for the same iconic track. Secondly, it could pave the way for Antonelli to join the grid of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the future, a race that attracts top-tier talent from across the motorsport spectrum.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.