Max Verstappen receives a special classification from the FIA, which could open doors for him beyond Formula 1.

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, who has dominated the sport for the past four years, has been granted a special classification by the FIA ​​that could allow him to step away from F1 and explore other opportunities in motorsport.

At 27 years old, Verstappen has won the last four Drivers’ Championships and continues to perform strongly this season, with four podium finishes and two Grand Prix wins so far. Despite this, he currently sits third in the drivers’ standings with 136 points, facing stiff competition from McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

After finishing fourth in the recent Monaco Grand Prix, Verstappen shared his mentality, emphasizing a race-by-race approach rather than focusing on the championship. He acknowledged that some circuits suit his car better than others and noted that Monaco has been a challenging circuit for him and his team, especially with the new generation of cars introduced in recent years.

Verstappen’s status in the sport is firmly established, but his future could include competing in other racing disciplines. The FIA ​​has officially promoted him to Platinum driver status, the highest category in its driver classification system. This elite status qualifies him to participate in prestigious endurance racing series such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC), IMSA, and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), all of which require an FIA Platinum license.

The FIA’s driver categorization system classifies drivers as Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze based on their age, career achievements, and recent performance. Platinum and Gold drivers are considered professionals who earn their living through racing. This reclassification reflects Verstappen’s exceptional track record and opens new doors for his motorsport career beyond Formula 1.