Max Verstappen qualifies outside top 10 in Nordschleife session

Max Verstappen will start the Nürburgring 24 Hours' 'Top Qualifying' shootout despite being bumped out of the top ten in the second qualifying session. The session proceeded under somber circumstances following the tragic death of driver Juha Miettinen in a Saturday race.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's participation in this iconic endurance event, separate from his F1 duties, highlights the appeal of the Nordschleife to top-tier drivers and provides a unique challenge. His performance and feedback are crucial for Team Verstappen, a project close to his heart, as they aim for a strong result in one of the world's most demanding races.

The details:

• The second qualifying session was held on a damp track following overnight rain, complicating efforts to set fast times.
• Teammate Lucas Auer drove the #3 car initially, placing second with a time of 9:12 minutes after a strong second run.
• Verstappen took over halfway through and immediately went 10 seconds faster than the field on his first lap, benefiting from improving track conditions.
• After his single flying lap, Verstappen pitted and did not return to the track.
• As conditions continued to improve, rival teams fitted slick tires and lowered the benchmark, ultimately pushing the #3 car down to outside the top ten positions.

What's next:

Despite the result, the #3 Team Verstappen entry has secured a spot in the decisive 'Top Qualifying' session, scheduled for 10:40 local time. This session will determine the final starting grid for the 24-hour race. Verstappen emphasized the team's collaborative focus, stating his goal is to help teammate Auer get up to speed and that they are still experimenting with the car's setup to find more pace.