Verstappen Satisfied After Securing Top Qualifying 3 Spot at 24h Nürburgring

Max Verstappen expressed satisfaction after his team secured a place in Top Qualifying 3 at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The four-time F1 champion drove the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 in challenging wet conditions at night, ultimately setting the sixth-fastest time in Top Qualifying 2, handing over to Daniel Juncadella for the pole shootout.

Why it matters:

• This marks Verstappen's continued expansion into endurance racing, showcasing his adaptability beyond Formula 1. His strong performance at the Nordschleife underlines the depth of his driving talent and the growing crossover between F1 and GT racing.

The details:

• Verstappen targeted a top-seven finish to advance to Top Qualifying 3, and achieved it with a final lap in dry conditions.
• He described feeling comfortable in the car despite intense competition and the difficult night session in rain and fog.
• Night driving experience: "For me the first time in the night in probably the worst possible conditions with the rain, the fog coming in," Verstappen said. He considered it valuable preparation for the race.
• The team prepared thoroughly over previous races, with Verstappen praising the professionalism of the group.

What's next:

• Verstappen's driving duties are complete; Juncadella will compete for pole position later today. The 24-hour race will test the team's strategy and reliability, but Verstappen's early pace suggests a competitive showing.