Verstappen’s team breaks silence after costly blunder triggers Nordschleife DSQ

Hohenadel acknowledged the mistake, apologising to everyone who supported the team during the race and stating that a full review will be carried out to ensure such an error does not happen again in future events.

Before news of the disqualification emerged, Verstappen had been locked in an intense early battle for the lead with Audi driver Christopher Haase. The German seized the initiative on the opening lap, getting past the #3 Mercedes after Verstappen had initially held firm through Turn 1.

Verstappen stayed right on Haase’s tail throughout the first stint, piling on the pressure but unable to find a way through. The decisive move eventually came on the straight, where he used the slipstream of the #16 Audi to retake the lead before diving into the pits for the driver change.

Reflecting on the fight after stepping out of the car, Haase described it as one of the most enjoyable battles he’s had in recent memory, highlighting how closely matched they were throughout the stint and praising the quality of the racing.