Verstappen reacts after costly problem ruins dominant NLS5 run
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16:14, 19 Apr
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Samson Ero is a Formula 1 editor at GPblog with seven years of experience in sports media. He covers key developments across the paddock, delivering accurate reporting and insight on drivers, teams, and performance trends, with work published on recognised platforms including Tuko and Legit.ng.
Max Verstappen has reflected on the splitter issue that derailed his race at the NLS5 race.
The Dutchman had been firmly in control of proceedings in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 run by Winward Racing, building a lead of over 30 seconds before being forced to pit after detecting a problem with the car. The issue ultimately cost the team around 28 minutes in the garage as they worked to repair the No. 3 entry.
However, sharing his thoughts about the events that unfolded, Verstappen revealed he first noticed something was wrong as early as the second lap of his stint, with the situation worsening as vibrations intensified and the splitter began to fail.
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“I think the second lap of that second stint. At a certain point I had a lot of front-end grip in the fast corners. And then later in that lap, a lot of vibrations suddenly started. At one point the splitter began to flap really hard. Then I knew immediately that the splitter had broken. A bit strange. I think you notice very quickly if you’ve tapped someone or not. But I didn’t touch anyone, so I don’t know how that happened,” Verstappen said to Viaplay.
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The setback opened the door for rivals, with Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo II driver Alexander Sims capitalising to move into the race lead.
After repairs were completed, Verstappen’s teammate Lucas Auer returned the car to the track, though the lost time ended any hopes of victory.
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Verstappen on his NL5 stint
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While the Red Bull Racing driver indeed had his stint hampered by the technical issue, he admitted to taking reasonable learnings from his run.
“I was able to run my stints reasonably well, again with a bit of traffic. It was fairly intense and I was fighting with other GT3 cars, so in that regard it was all good. The car felt good too, so I’m happy with that,” he added.
The technical issue experienced by the Winward Racing outfit followed a challenging qualifying session, which the team experienced through the earlier stages of the race weekend.
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