Drama at Nordschleife as Verstappen hit with shocking disqualification

The reason behind the disqualification lies in the fact that Winward Racing, the team Verstappen competed with at the wheel of the Mercedes AMG GT3, exceeded the tyre allocation during the race.

Specifically, the team is understood to have used seven sets of tyres, exceeding the maximum of six allowed under the regulations, triggering the inevitable disqualification.

Starting from pole, Verstappen had initially controlled the run to Turn 1 and led the early phase, looking to establish a gap straight away. That advantage did not last, though, as Haase managed to get past on the straight, putting the Audi ahead while Verstappen stayed close behind, particularly gaining time through the more technical sections of the Nordschleife.

The momentum swung again around the first round of pit stops, when Verstappen had retaken the lead with a decisive move on the straight before handing the car over while still in front.

Through the middle part of the race, Juncadella and later Gounon had kept the #3 entry firmly in control, managing the pace and maintaining a clear margin over the chasing pack.

When Verstappen had climbed back in for the final stint, the gap had remained comfortable, allowing him to manage the closing stages without trouble and secure what had been a dominant win.

The victory therefore went to the #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO (ROWE Racing), brought home by South African driver Jordan Pepper, who had originally finished just behind Verstappen.