Verstappen hands over race-leading car after impressive Nürburgring 24H stint

Max Verstappen delivered an impressive double stint at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, taking the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 from 10th to the race lead before handing over to teammate Jules Gounon. The four-time F1 world champion showed his versatility on one of motorsport's toughest stages, managing traffic and changing conditions with precision.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's performance underscores his adaptability beyond Formula 1 and highlights the strength of the Mercedes-AMG program at the Nürburgring. A win here would add a prestigious endurance trophy to his already stellar career, while reinforcing the team's credentials in GT racing.

The details:

• Verstappen completed a double stint after Daniel Juncadella started the race, carving through the field from 10th to first with a series of overtakes.
• By the time he pitted, he had built a 23-second lead over the car behind. The #3 car is effectively leading after pit stop cycles.
• Scary moment: Verstappen lost the rear of the car at one point, but managed to catch the slide and avoid the barriers, continuing without major consequences.
• Weather played a role: worsening conditions allowed him to build a pace advantage once he cleared traffic.
• Speaking after the stint, Verstappen praised the car's balance and admitted it wasn't easy to find the right compromise between pushing and staying out of trouble.

What's next:

The Nürburgring 24 Hours still has over 20 hours of racing ahead, including night running and unpredictable weather. Verstappen's team will aim to maintain their lead position, with the Dutchman likely to return to the car later in the event if needed. The challenge remains high, but the early signs are promising for the #3 crew.