Verstappen Team Gains Position After Chaotic Nürburgring 24h Opening Lap

The opening lap of the Nürburgring 24 Hours was anything but calm, with several drivers forced into early trips to the pit lane after a series of first-corner contacts.

The race, which got underway with Luca Engstler in the #84 Lamborghini on pole alongside Marco Mapelli in the #130 Lamborghini, as well as Christopher Haase in the #16 Audi and Daniel Juncadella starting fourth in the Verstappen Racing #3 Mercedes-AMG on the front two rows, immediately descended into controlled chaos.

Juncadella clipped Engstler’s rear tyre while attempting a move on the Lamborghini, resulting in a puncture and an unscheduled pit stop for the Lamborghini driver. The contact also allowed Juncadella to gain a position in the process.

Further down the field, multiple position changes unfolded as the pack jostled for early advantage, with the action coming thick and fast from the outset.

Why it matters:

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is one of endurance racing's ultimate challenges, and early incidents can define a team's entire race. For Verstappen Racing, gaining a spot on the opening lap may seem minor, but track position and clean air are critical over a full day of racing. Meanwhile, the pole-sitting Lamborghini now faces a recovery drive from the back.

The details:

• Juncadella’s move on Engstler was aggressive but not unusual for a standing start at the Nordschleife. The contact appeared to be a racing incident.
• Engstler’s puncture forced an immediate pit stop, dropping the #84 Lamborghini to last place.
• Verstappen Racing’s #3 Mercedes-AMG moved up to third as a result, trailing the two lead Lamborghinis.
• Several other cars reported minor damage from the first-lap jostling, though no further retirements were noted.

What's next:

With the race now in its early stages, teams will focus on settling into a rhythm and avoiding further incidents. The Verstappen camp will aim to maintain their improved position, while Engstler’s crew faces a long climb back through the field. Endurance racing at the Nürburgring rewards patience, but the opening lap has already reshuffled the deck.