Verstappen’s NLS Victory Stripped After Tire Allocation Error

Nürburgring, Germany – Max Verstappen, alongside teammates Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella, initially celebrated a win in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) race at the famed Nordschleife on Saturday. However, the victory was short-lived, as the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing entry was later disqualified due to a technical infraction. The incident casts a shadow over Verstappen’s preparations for the upcoming 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in May.

The disqualification stemmed from a post-race inspection that revealed the team had used seven sets of tires during the four-hour ADAC Barbarossapreis event, exceeding the permitted allocation of six sets. The technical commission, utilizing the “Tyre App” to monitor tire usage, flagged the discrepancy, leading to the decision to strip the team of its on-track result.

How the Error Occurred

Mercedes-AMG explained that the error occurred during the morning qualifying session. “During the morning qualification, the team routinely carried out several driver and tire changes. It was during this process that a mistake occurred, ultimately leading to the disqualification,” a Mercedes spokesperson stated. The team, operating under the Verstappen Racing banner, was making its debut as a “Performance Team” in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport at the Nürburgring.

Christian Hohenadel, head of Winward Racing – the team responsible for the operational aspects of the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing entry – expressed disappointment. He attributed the issue to a procedural error within the team, emphasizing that this was the first NLS start for the team in this configuration. “We now need to analyze the mistakes, learn positive lessons from the weekend, and focus on the remaining preparation races and the 24-hour race itself,” Hohenadel said.

Verstappen’s NLS Return and 24-Hour Race Ambitions

This weekend marked Verstappen’s return to the Nordschleife, having made two previous race appearances in 2025. The four-time Formula 1 World Champion is using the NLS as valuable preparation for the grueling 24 Hours of Nürburgring, a race he has long identified as a personal challenge. He secured his DMSB Permit Nordschleife last September with a win in a Ferrari 296 GT3, a crucial step towards competing in the iconic endurance event.

The NLS, a ten-race long-distance championship, provides a unique test for drivers and teams, utilizing a slightly different track layout than the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The 2026 season began with a postponement due to inclement weather, but Saturday’s race, held under sunny skies and a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, offered a promising start despite the late disqualification.

Verstappen will partner with Juncadella, Gounon, and Lucas Auer for the 24-hour race, scheduled for May 16-17. The team is aiming to leverage Verstappen’s experience and the expertise of his co-drivers to mount a competitive challenge at “The Green Hell,” as the Nürburgring is often called.

The Broader Context: Verstappen’s Diversification

This foray into GT racing highlights Verstappen’s desire to broaden his racing experience beyond the confines of Formula 1. He has been vocal about his enjoyment of the different challenges presented by GT cars and the Nordschleife, a track renowned for its demanding nature and unpredictable conditions. The NLS provides a platform for Verstappen to hone his skills in a different racing environment, offering a contrast to the highly structured world of F1.

The disqualification, while disappointing, doesn’t diminish the value of the experience gained. The team’s performance on the track – leading for a significant portion of the race – demonstrated their potential. Analyzing the cause of the tire allocation error will be crucial as they prepare for the 24-hour race, where precision and attention to detail are paramount.

Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, acknowledged the team’s disappointment. “The NLS weekend will remain in our memory for a long time – we saw clean racing on the track, experienced an exceptional day in terms of atmosphere, and initially celebrated a presumed race win,” Wendl said. “The disappointment was all the greater when we realized that we had made a mistake behind the scenes in the morning and the race officials were forced to disqualify the winning car. This hurts, and everyone involved is naturally very disappointed.”

What’s Next for Verstappen at the Nürburgring?

The focus now shifts to the remaining NLS races and the crucial qualifying event for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, scheduled for April 18-19. These events will provide Verstappen and his team with further opportunities to refine their setup, optimize their strategy, and build the necessary endurance for the demanding 24-hour race. The team will be looking to put this setback behind them and arrive at the 24-hour race fully prepared to challenge for victory.

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring remains the ultimate test, and Verstappen’s participation adds another layer of excitement to the event. The combination of a top-tier F1 driver, a competitive team, and the legendary Nordschleife promises a thrilling spectacle for motorsport fans worldwide.

Next up: The next round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) is scheduled for [Date to be confirmed – check official NLS website for updates]. Verstappen and his team will be aiming to rebound from this weekend’s disappointment and continue their preparations for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

What are your thoughts on Verstappen’s NLS experience? Share your comments below!