Verstappen Racing opts for different suspension than sister car for the 24h Nurburgring

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport confirms this to GPblog after inquiries. There had been some murmurs in the rumor mill about a certain 'controversy' regarding differences between the two cars fielded by Winward Racing. Both cars are entered under different names: Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing and Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL. The two line-ups are now running different suspensions.

Verstappen Racing has opted for Multimatic, while the #80 car will run Bilstein. The brand from Affalterbach states that the four-time world champion’s team tested with both suspensions and then decided to go with Multimatic. Under the rules, it is perfectly allowed to run a different suspension and suspension components per car. This is, for example, not permitted in DTM.

Verstappen Racing had already announced its partnership with Multimatic at the beginning of May. The Dutchman’s team stated that the "Multimatic DSSV dampers are developed to overcome the limitations of conventional shims and deliver precise and repeatable performance. Their force-velocity characteristics are defined by precisely machined spool valves, designed according to hydraulic principles to provide exceptional consistency, strong resistance to cavitation, and minimal sensitivity to operating temperature."

The characteristics of these components therefore align well with what Verstappen demands from his Mercedes-AMG GT3 on both the Nordschleife and in GT World Challenge Europe. It was suggested that this was specifically Verstappen’s preference, but of course all drivers — Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, Lucas Auer, and for GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Chris Lulham — tested the car and Multimatic was chosen.

It is true that Mercedes-AMG has a strong partnership with Bilstein, but since teams are allowed to choose their own suspension, this should not be seen as 'controversial'. The components then differ somewhat, which also means the setup can be slightly different — that naturally goes hand in hand with different suspensions. As far as is known, the other five Mercedes-AMG GT3s on the grid are running Bilstein suspension.

Under the German brand’s banner, Bilstein also has its own entry: PROsport Racing Team Bilstein runs a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham, Marek Böckmann, Adam Christodoulou, and Mikaël Grenier. Ahead of the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, the technical committee did not intervene with Mercedes-AMG, but did with the competition. Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ford received some BoP changes.