Verstappen achieves 'incredibly tough' Nürburgring qualifying target

Max Verstappen successfully advanced to the final qualifying shootout at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, describing the session as “incredibly tough.” Driving in Top Qualifying 2, he needed to finish inside the top seven to progress, and he did just enough, crossing the line in a position to qualify. He will now hand over to Dani Juncadella for the pole shootout later today.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's participation in the endurance classic adds another dimension to his already versatile career. Achieving the team's stated goal — reaching the final shootout — against a deep field of 24h specialists and factory entries demonstrates his adaptability. The #3 entry now has a shot at pole position, setting up a strong race start on Saturday.

The details:

• Verstappen's flying lap in Top Qualifying 2 was just good enough to make the cut, with the Dutchman noting it “barely managed” to get among the fast cars.
• Night practice: On Thursday evening, Verstappen drove in wet and foggy conditions to gain experience in the dark — his first time doing so. He described it as “the worst possible conditions” but valuable for the race.
• Team preparation: Verstappen praised his crew, calling them a “very professional group of people who put their heart and soul into everything.” He believes the team has prepared as well as possible.
• The car: The #3 entry felt comfortable, and Verstappen expressed satisfaction with the dry conditions for his qualifying stint.

What's next:

Juncadella will pilot the car in the Top Qualifying 3 shootout, aiming to secure pole. The main 24-hour race begins on Saturday, where Verstappen and his co-drivers will face the long, unpredictable challenge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

With the qualifying target now checked off, the focus shifts to executing a clean race and managing the endurance variables.