Max Verstappen’s GT outfit, Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, has come under the spotlight at the Nürburgring Nordschleife after a crash during qualifying for the ADAC 24h Qualifiers prompted an official investigation.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion is competing in the NLS double-header weekend, and drama unfolded early in Saturday’s extended 90-minute qualifying session. The run had already been lengthened due to earlier red flag interruptions, but further controversy arose when Verstappen’s team-mate, Lucas Auer, was involved in contact with a rival entry.
Race control confirmed midway through the session that the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG, operated by Winward Racing under Verstappen’s banner, was being investigated for allegedly causing a collision. The incident occurred at Hohe Acht, the technical section that follows the iconic Karussell on the Nordschleife — one of the most demanding stretches of the 20.8-kilometre circuit.
Auer, who had been at the wheel during the opening phase of qualifying, made contact with the No. 941 Porsche Cayman fielded by Adrenalin Motorsport. The Cayman is shared by a Dutch driver line-up that includes Adrian Rziczny, Mark van der Snel and Max van der Snel, with one of them driving at the time of the clash. The collision brought renewed attention to track limits and overtaking etiquette on the narrow and unforgiving layout.
At the time of the announcement, the Verstappen-run Mercedes-AMG machine was performing strongly. Auer had posted an 8:13.012 lap, good enough for fifth place overall at the midpoint of the session. Shortly after the stewards’ notice was issued, Verstappen himself climbed aboard the car to continue the qualifying effort, as the team awaited clarity on any potential penalty.
The qualifying session determines the starting order for Race 1 of the 24-hour Qualifiers weekend — a four-hour contest scheduled for Saturday evening. With track position crucial around the Nordschleife, any sanction could significantly impact the team’s prospects heading into the race.
Stewards are expected to review onboard footage and telemetry data before issuing a verdict. Depending on their findings, penalties could range from a reprimand to time deletions or grid position drops.
For Verstappen and his team, the investigation adds an unexpected layer of tension to what was shaping up to be a competitive showing at one of motorsport’s most legendary venues.