Damage prevents Verstappen Racing from claiming respectable outcome: ‘We had enjoyable’

Damage prevents Verstappen Racing from claiming respectable outcome: ‘We had enjoyable’

Published on 19 April 2026 by Stefan Meens

Following a wonderful opening stint in the course of the second race of the 24h Qualifiers race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, by which Max Verstappen took the lead after ranging from fifth, Verstappen Racing completed in P38, following prolonged 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”, stated 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 outcome, it was helpful 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 begin, Max rapidly positive aspects a spot by passing the #23 Gamota Racing and slots in behind the #911 Manthey Racing of Thomas Preining. Max rapidly overtakes the Porsche 911 GT3 R to safe third and units about chasing down the 2 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 began from pole place because of an ideal lap by Thierry Vermeulen, is handed swiftly by the Verstappen Racing Mercedes, which means Max is already in second on lap two.

As Haase and Verstappen work their method by means of the slower backmarkers, Max capitalises to take the race lead on lap 4, after which Haase stays on the Mercedes’ bumper with the duo battling aspect by aspect on lap 5 on the lengthy Nordschleife straight. Nevertheless, the Dutchman holds on to the lead till he makes his first cease after six laps.

A lap later, Haase comes into the pits and fingers over to Alexander Sims. Meanwhile Max retakes the lead as he units about his second stint. After ten laps, Max is available in for his driver change, however harm to the entrance splitter means Lucas Auer rejoins the race after half an hour, which means a very good outcome, not to mention a win, is now not attainable for Verstappen and Auer.

At the entrance, the #16 inherits the lead and retains it till 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 finishing the rostrum (+1:14min.)

Race result 24h Qualifiers Sunday 19 April