Damage prevents Verstappen Racing from claiming decent result: 'We had fun'

Published on 19 April 2026 by Stefan Meens

Following an excellent opening stint during the second race of the 24h Qualifiers race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, in which Max Verstappen took the lead after starting from fifth, Verstappen Racing finished in P38, following lengthy repairs to their Mercedes-AMG GT3.

“In the second lap of my second stint, I realised something was wrong as the front splitter was broken”, said Max after the four-hour race. “It’s odd, because I didn’t touch anyone, so we’ll have to investigate what caused this and find a solution.”

Despite the disappointing result, it was beneficial afternoon for Max. “I had fun and the car felt good, so I’m happy with that. I also managed to do my stints, in traffic as well, which was pretty intense. I had fights with other GT3 cars, so it was good preparation for the 24h race. I’m as ready as I can be. The only things I haven’t done is drive in the dark.”

At the race start, Max quickly gains a spot by passing the #23 Gamota Racing and slots in behind the #911 Manthey Racing of Thomas Preining. Max quickly overtakes the Porsche 911 GT3 R to secure third and sets about chasing down the two leaders: Christopher Haase (#16 Scherer Sport PHX, Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo II) and Dennis Marchall (#45 Realize Kondo Racing with Rinaldi, Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo26). The Ferrari, which started from pole position thanks to a great lap by Thierry Vermeulen, is passed swiftly by the Verstappen Racing Mercedes, meaning Max is already in second on lap two.

As Haase and Verstappen work their way through the slower backmarkers, Max capitalises to take the race lead on lap four, after which Haase remains on the Mercedes’ bumper with the duo battling side by side on lap five on the long Nordschleife straight. Nevertheless, the Dutchman holds on to the lead until he makes his first stop after six laps.

A lap later, Haase comes into the pits and hands over to Alexander Sims. Meanwhile Max retakes the lead as he sets about his second stint. After ten laps, Max comes in for his driver switch, but damage to the front splitter means Lucas Auer rejoins the race after half an hour, meaning a good result, let alone a win, is no longer attainable for Verstappen and Auer.

At the front, the #16 inherits the lead and retains it until the chequered flag. Haase, Sims and Ben Green win the race, with #84 Red Bull Team ABT in second (+22s) and the #911 Manthey Racing completing the podium (+1:14min.)

Race result 24h Qualifiers Sunday 19 April