Max Verstappen's Team Battles Leaders Despite Multiple Touches at Nürburgring 24H

The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours started with chaos on track. Dani Juncadella, driving the #3 Verstappen Racing Mercedes GT3, moved from fourth to second in the opening laps after a puncture and a spin hit rivals. But a touch with race leader Marco Mapelli's Lamborghini dropped him to fourth, and a massive false-start penalty for Mapelli reshuffled the order again. Juncadella then pitted, handing the car to team owner Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's GT3 program is a serious contender at the Nordschleife, but early incidents and penalties show how fragile a 24-hour race can be. The team's recovery strategy and Verstappen's own driving will be key to staying in contention.

The details:

• Juncadella started fourth and passed Christopher Haase's Audi for third. Polesitter Milko Bortoletti suffered a puncture after slight contact with Juncadella, promoting the Mercedes to second.
• Behind, Kevin Estre lost third to the #7 Lamborghini on the opening lap, while race leader Mapelli (Lamborghini #130) tried to build a lead.
• Traffic erased Mapelli's advantage, creating an opportunity. But Juncadella hit the slowing Mapelli and dropped to fourth, losing two positions.
• Mapelli received a 32-second penalty for a false start. Estre later forced a rival off track while fighting for second.
• Lap five saw the first pit stops; Juncadella pitted a lap later, handing over to Verstappen.

Looking ahead:

The race is far from decided. Verstappen's stint will be crucial for the team to recover lost ground. With multiple penalties already handed out and the unpredictable Nürburgring weather, the #3 Mercedes remains in the fight for a podium.