Max Verstappen’s Starting Position Dramatically Changed Ahead of … Full Details in the Comments
Mercedes-AMG GT3, Verstappen shares the car with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Dani Juncadella. It was Juncadella who delivered the team’s best qualifying lap, setting an 8:12.005 in Top Qualifying 3 to secure a second-row starting position.
The race begins at 3:00 PM local time in Germany on Saturday, May 16, and runs nonstop for a full 24 hours, concluding at the same time on Sunday. For fans in Nigeria, the green flag drops at 2:00 PM WAT.
Starting just ahead of Verstappen are two Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 entries and one Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo II. Pole position was secured by Luca Engstler in the No. 84 Lamborghini with a rapid 8:11.123 lap. Marco Mapelli completed a Lamborghini front-row lockout in second, while Christopher Haase placed third for Audi.
Although Verstappen is one of the biggest stars in world motorsport, success in the Nürburgring 24 Hours depends heavily on teamwork and adaptability. No driver can complete the race alone, and each crew must rotate drivers strategically while responding to changing weather, traffic, tire wear, and safety car periods on the legendary Nordschleife.
Race strategy remains flexible until the final moments before the start. Teams often confirm their opening driver and stint plans shortly before the green flag, then adjust throughout the event depending on conditions and performance.
The top five starters are:
No. 84 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2
No. 130 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2
No. 16 Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo II
No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 (Verstappen Racing)
No. 45 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo26
With strong pace in qualifying and an elite driver lineup, Verstappen’s team enters the race as a genuine contender. A victory in this iconic endurance event would add another remarkable achievement to Verstappen’s already extraordinary racing career.