Max Verstappen began his 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours qualifying campaign in impressive fashion, but the Dutchman was eventually denied top spot after a dramatic and weather-affected opening session at the legendary Nordschleife.
Thursday’s first qualifying session produced plenty of incidents, changing conditions, and intense competition as teams started preparations for one of motorsport’s most demanding endurance races. Verstappen, driving the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, looked untouchable during the early stages after delivering a sequence of rapid laps.
Following two installation laps, the reigning Formula 1 champion returned to the circuit with just over an hour left on the clock. His first timed effort produced an 8:47.982 before he immediately improved to an impressive 8:18.539, briefly putting himself comfortably at the top of the standings and well clear of the chasing ROWE Racing BMW entries.
The session, however, quickly became disrupted by several incidents around the track, resulting in multiple slow zones and Code 60 periods that affected lap times and prevented many drivers from completing clean runs.
One of the most alarming moments came when the No. 900 Black Falcon Team Zimmermann Porsche caught fire near the Schumacher S section. Driver Alexander Hardt exited the car safely, but while standing nearby, Janina Schall’s No. 146 Giti Tires by WS Porsche crashed into the stranded vehicle. Thankfully, both drivers escaped without injury.
As conditions improved, rival teams began to challenge Verstappen’s leading benchmark. Fabian Schiller ultimately secured the fastest lap of the session for the No. 80 Ravenol Mercedes-AMG squad, posting an 8:14.957 to move ahead of the Red Bull star.
Raffaele Marciello also edged ahead in the No. 1 ROWE Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO, leaving Verstappen to finish the session third overall, 3.582 seconds behind the leading pace.
The closing stages became even more complicated as rain and light hail swept across sections of the circuit, preventing any major improvements in the final minutes. Some areas of the track even appeared snow-covered due to the unusual weather conditions.
Later in the session, Lucas Auer took over driving duties in the Verstappen Racing car to gain valuable experience in wet conditions ahead of the remainder of the weekend.
Dan Harper secured fourth place in the No. 99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, while Thomas Preining completed the top five in the Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R.
Despite losing the top position late in the session, Verstappen’s pace confirmed that his team remains a serious contender heading into the remaining qualifying rounds and Friday’s crucial Top Qualifying sessions.