Verstappen Disqualified From Nürburgring GT3 Race After Tyre Infraction

NÜRBURGRING, Germany – Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, saw a promising outing in GT3 racing at the Nürburgring end in disappointment this past weekend. His team was disqualified from the ADAC Barbarossapreis, a four-hour race within the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), after it was discovered they used one too many sets of tires during the competition. The incident occurred ahead of Verstappen’s scheduled debut at the iconic Nürburgring 24 Hours in May.

Verstappen, piloting a Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon for Verstappen Racing, initially crossed the finish line first, completing the race over a minute ahead of the competition. However, two hours after the race concluded, technical inspection revealed the team had employed seven sets of tires, exceeding the permitted limit of six. The victory was awarded to Dan Harper and Jordan Pepper, driving a BMW M4 GT3 for Rowe Racing.

The disqualification comes as Verstappen prepares for the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours on May 16 and 17. Verstappen Racing has entered a car, with Verstappen set to share driving duties with Juncadella, Gounon, and Lucas Auer. This recent race served as valuable preparation for the endurance event, allowing Verstappen to gain further experience at the challenging Nordschleife circuit, nicknamed “The Green Hell.”

Preparation for the 24 Hours

This wasn’t Verstappen’s first foray into GT3 racing at the Nürburgring. Last September, he secured a win in a similar four-hour event, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3. The Nürburgring 24 Hours represents a significant challenge for any driver, and Verstappen has been vocal about his desire to compete in the event. He previously obtained his DMSB Permit Nordschleife, a requirement for racing on the track, by participating in NLS9 last year.

The team’s disqualification was not the result of intentional rule-breaking, according to reports. German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport suggested that teams unfamiliar with the specific regulations of the NLS sometimes make such errors. Christian Hohenadel, team principal of Winward Racing (which ran Verstappen’s car), stated the team would thoroughly analyze the day and prepare meticulously for the upcoming races, including the 24-hour event.

Verstappen’s Recent Form and F1 Concerns

The GT3 race provided a welcome distraction for Verstappen, who has recently expressed concerns about the direction of Formula 1. He has publicly criticized the new F1 cars, describing them as “Formula E on steroids” due to their increased emphasis on battery harvesting and boost technology. His participation in GT3 racing allows him to experience a different style of motorsport and maintain his competitive edge during the F1 offseason and between races.

Verstappen took pole position for the four-hour race, setting a lap time of 7:51.751 in dry conditions. He had to recover after losing the lead on the opening lap, but ultimately demonstrated strong pace and control throughout the race before the tyre infraction came to light. The win was initially a comfortable one, with the team finishing over a minute ahead of their closest rivals.

Rowe Racing Claims Victory

The disqualification of Verstappen’s team handed the victory to Rowe Racing’s Dan Harper and Jordan Pepper. Rowe Racing is no stranger to success at the Nürburgring, having won the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring last year, although that victory was also initially subject to a late-race penalty applied to the leading Manthey EMA Porsche team.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a notoriously demanding circuit, known for its length, elevation changes, and challenging weather conditions. It has earned its legendary status since opening in 1927, though it was removed from the Formula 1 schedule in 1976 due to safety concerns. The track continues to host a variety of motorsport events, including the NLS and the 24 Hours, attracting drivers from around the world.

Verstappen’s next scheduled appearance in the NLS series is yet to be confirmed, but he will undoubtedly be focused on preparing for the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. The event promises to be a significant test of endurance and skill, and Verstappen will be aiming to make a strong impression on his debut.

The incident highlights the importance of meticulous attention to detail in motorsport, even at the highest levels. A seemingly minor infraction, such as using an extra set of tires, can have significant consequences, as Verstappen and his team discovered this weekend.

What’s Next: Verstappen will continue preparations for the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, with further NLS appearances likely. The team will be focused on refining their strategy and ensuring full compliance with the regulations to avoid a repeat of this weekend’s disqualification.

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