Verstappen impresses as debut Nurburgring 24h weekend gets underway

Max Verstappen’s first-ever Nürburgring 24h race weekend officially began with Qualifying 1 at the Nordschleife. Driving a Red Bull-liveried Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for Verstappen Racing, the four-time F1 champion impressed by setting the fastest lap in his hour-long stint, an 8:18.539, and finishing the session third overall alongside teammates Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s move into endurance racing is a major shift for one of F1’s most dominant drivers. Success at the Nürburgring would further cement his versatility, while a competitive performance from his new team signals they are a genuine threat in the SP9 class. The event also offers a unique challenge outside the Grand Prix calendar, testing driver stamina and team strategy over 24 hours.

The details:

• Qualifying 1 saw Verstappen clock an 8:18.539 during his stint, eight seconds faster than Jordan Pepper’s BMW M4 in P2. Rain later disrupted the session, but the team ended P3 overall.
• Goal: Verstappen aims for outright victory, stating, “Success would mean winning. That’s very simple, that’s why we are here. It’s not going to be easy, but that’s the target.”
• The session also featured a scary incident: the #146 Porsche of Jolina Schal hit the stationary #900 Porsche of Alexander Hartt, with Hartt only yards from his car.
• Top three in SP9 class at the end of Q1: P1 Schiller (Mercedes-AMG GT3, 8:14.957), P2 Marciello (BMW M4 GT3 EVO, 8:18.069), P3 Auer (Verstappen’s teammate, same car, 8:18.539).

What’s next:

Qualifying 2 runs tonight from 20:00 to 23:30 local time, offering night-time practice mandatory for all drivers. Verstappen is looking forward to the challenge: “It’s probably going to be the best feeling. You’re by yourself, pushing in the night. The car is normally fastest in the night.” Friday’s Top Qualifying will determine the grid for Saturday’s race.