Verstappen's teammate Juncadella is thoroughly enjoying the madness: 'It's been a dream week'
15:19, 16 May
0 Comments
Shanna is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog, specializing in both F1 and endurance and GT racing. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and experience at international circuits, she provides in-depth, reliable coverage and insights based on her presence at Grands Prix and racing events worldwide.
Dani Juncadella will guide Verstappen Racing’s #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 through the start of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The Spaniard is pleased with the qualifying result and heads into the race feeling confident. He’s also thoroughly enjoying all the Verstappen fans.
On the grid ahead of the race, which lasts about two hours, it’s very busy. Media gather around Verstappen’s car, but Juncadella remains unfazed. The GT3 veteran will take the start of the race. The mood is great, and so he’s standing next to the car with a big smile. "It's great. I mean, we've had a dream week," Juncadella tells GPblog.
"No mistakes, everything working on the car and making steps forward. Navigating the difficult weather conditions, no scratches on the car. So that's very good. That's the sort of preparation you want. And starting in the first two rows of the race, that was clearly the goal for us. So, yeah, really enjoying that process and now it's time to go, finally!" says Juncadella.
A weekend with Nordschleife flair
ADVERTISEMENT
It looks like this will be a classic edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The sun was shining this morning, there might be rain, and it even snowed earlier this weekend. In short: you never know what you’ll get here. Juncadella is ready for whatever the weather gods send his way. "You know, that's part of the game and you need to be mindful of that. Be calm, stay calm, you know. I've been racing here for eight years, so I know this can happen." he says.
"So we'll try to do the most out of that. Of course, that's gonna just spice things up a bit. But yeah, we should have a good day ahead," he concludes. With the Michelin tires, Verstappen Racing already seems to have a slight advantage anyway.
Juncadella enjoys Verstappen fans
The circuit has filled up this weekend with Dutch fans who want to see Verstappen race and are hoping for a win for the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3. Juncadella watches as the Verstappen mania unfolds and absolutely loves it. "Oh, I love it," he laughs. "Also on social media. Instagram not as much, like everybody, but I like Twitter, X, I always love discussing stuff, getting into sometimes deep areas and I see a lot of attention, all the fans from Max and that's cool to see that they are so passionate about this race as well," says Juncadella.
ADVERTISEMENT
Read more about:
latest news
Canadian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 22.05.26
Practice 1
04:30 PM
Sprint Qualification
08:30 PM
Saturday 23.05.26
Sprint Race
04:00 PM
Qualification
08:00 PM
Sunday 24.05.26
Race
08:00 PM
Friday 22.05.26
Practice 1
Fri 04:30 PM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 08:30 PM
Saturday 23.05.26
Sprint Race
Sat 04:00 PM
Qualification
Sat 08:00 PM
Sunday 24.05.26
Race
Sun 08:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
Verstappen takes on the 24h Nurburgring: here's the full schedule
3979 times read
2
F1 Today: Verstappen misses Nurburgring pole, Russell faces demotion warning
2016 times read
3
Nürburgring 24h LIVE | Verstappen joins actions as race leader lands major penalty
1507 times read
4
MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix Full Qualifying Results: Acosta top as both Aprilias crash
1238 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 100 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 80 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 63 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 51 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 49 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 43 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 26 | |
8 | HaasHAA | 17 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 16 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 10 |
Loading
