Max Verstappen has been DISQUALIFIED from Nurburgring Race win following…read more
Max Verstappen saw a memorable Nürburgring victory slip away after being disqualified just hours following his dominant performance in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
The reigning Formula 1 champion had impressed throughout the event at the demanding Nordschleife circuit, temporarily stepping away from his duties with Red Bull Racing to gain valuable experience in endurance racing. Driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Winward Racing, Verstappen teamed up with Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, with the trio delivering a strong and controlled performance from start to finish.
Their efforts on track appeared to secure a convincing win, as they showcased excellent pace, coordination, and consistency throughout the race. Verstappen, in particular, drew praise for how quickly he adapted to the challenges of GT3 racing and the notoriously difficult “Green Hell,” reinforcing his reputation as a highly versatile driver.
However, the celebrations did not last long. Following post-race inspections, officials identified a violation of tyre regulations on the No. 48 Mercedes-AMG GT3. As a result, the car was disqualified, and the team was stripped of its victory. The decision meant that Verstappen and his teammates were removed entirely from the final race classification.
Team principal Christian Hohenadel later addressed the situation, acknowledging that the issue stemmed from an internal mistake. He admitted that the error left race officials with no option but to enforce the rules, describing the outcome as disappointing for everyone involved. He also apologised to fans who had supported the team and celebrated what initially seemed like a major success.
Despite the setback, there were still positives to take from the weekend. Verstappen’s performance highlighted his ability to excel outside Formula 1, demonstrating both speed and adaptability in a completely different racing environment.
With the Nürburgring 24 Hours approaching, the experience gained—despite the unfortunate result—could prove valuable. Verstappen and the team will now look to learn from the incident, refine their processes, and come back stronger in future endurance races.