Verstappen does his job, but will have to watch Top Qualifying 3 from the sidelines

Together with Lucas Auer, Verstappen's driving duties at the Nurburgring Nordschleife are finished for Friday. The four-time Formula 1 world champion finished sixth in Top Qualifying 2, securing Verstappen Racing a place in Top Qualifying 3. Because Verstappen set the team’s lap time in the second session, he is not eligible to take part in the third session later today. The same applies to Kevin Estre, who drove the #911 Manthey Racing Porsche in Top Qualifying 1 earlier on Friday.

Meanwhile, the driver who set the fastest lap of Thursday will also miss Top Qualifying 3, although for a different reason. Maro Engel crashed the #80 Mercedes-AMG during the second session and was therefore unable to set a lap time.

Of the two remaining drivers yet to compete today, Dani Juncadella will contest Top Qualifying 3 later this Friday for Verstappen Racing. A total of 12 cars will take part, with seven qualifying through Top Qualifying 2 and a further five securing their places beforehand. These 12 cars will battle for the best possible grid positions for Saturday. You can watch that session live here!

Speaking to Mercedes after the session, the Dutchman said: "Yeah, I mean, I felt comfortable in the car. Of course, we were targeting to get to Top Qualifying 3, which of course is not easy with the competition out there. It's super tough. You know, a lot of fast cars around, but yeah, we just managed to sneak in. So yeah, the final lap was just good enough. It was nice. I mean, luckily it was dry. The car felt all right, and we managed to sneak in, so that was the target."