Inside Verstappen Racing’s dramatic Nürburgring 24 Hours weekend

After making his debut last year in order to obtain the licence required to race in the GT3 class this season - and potentially with a view to competing in this year’s 24 Hours - the four-time world champion took part in several NLS rounds to prepare for the big moment that finally arrived this past weekend. Unfortunately for him, however, it did not end with victory.

At the end of qualifying, Verstappen Racing - with a driver lineup made up of Daniel Juncadella, Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Verstappen himself - secured fourth place overall behind Luca Engstler, Marco Mapelli and Christopher Haase, narrowly missing out on pole position but still putting themselves in a strong position heading into the race.

Verstappen Racing quickly emerged as one of the main contenders for victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours after the four-time world champion climbed aboard the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 following Daniel Juncadella’s opening stint. The Dutchman immediately found strong rhythm, making his way through the field with a series of decisive overtakes before eventually taking over the race lead.

Despite the impressive pace, Verstappen’s race was not without a few dramatic moments. Shortly after the start, the four-time world champion lost control of the car and ran across the grass at high speed, narrowly avoiding a heavy crash with the barriers before safely rejoining. Later during the night, Verstappen also came together with Maro Engel while fighting for the lead, though both drivers managed to continue without damage.

As darkness fell over the Nordschleife, Verstappen Racing looked firmly in control of the race. The #3 Mercedes built up a lead of more than 30 seconds and appeared on course for victory heading into the final hours of the event. However, disaster struck with around four hours remaining when a driveshaft issue forced the car into the pits, bringing an abrupt end to Verstappen Racing’s hopes after dominating much of the race.

The #80 Mercedes-AMG crew eventually went on to secure overall victory, while the #84 Red Bull Team ABT Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Pro of Luca Engstler, Mirko Bortolotti and Patric Niederhauser finished second in SP9. Completing the podium was the #34 Walkenhorst Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Pro driven by Christian Krognes, Mattia Drudi, Nicki Thiim and Felipe Fernandez Laser.

The Spaniard has rejected speculation linking the overnight contact between Verstappen and Maro Engel to the technical issue that ultimately ended Verstappen Racing’s hopes of victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. As previously mentioned, the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 had been firmly in contention throughout the race before a driveshaft-related issue forced the car into the pits for several time in the final hours, leading some to speculate whether the earlier clash between Verstappen and Engel during the night stint may have played a role in the failure.

Juncadella, however, made it clear he did not believe the two incidents were connected. The Spaniard instead described the retirement as an unfortunate but natural part of endurance racing, stressing that setbacks and mechanical problems can happen at any moment in a 24-hour event: “No, I don't think so. I mean, in the end, that was many, many hours ago and I think it would be too tricky to really say that it's due to... It's just motorsport. It happens, unfortunately it happened to us today, but I don't think there's anybody to blame.”