From triumph to heartbreak in a matter of hours. 2026 is proving to be increasingly complicated for four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen. Eager to push the limits without the constraints of energy management and battery concerns, the Dutch driver made his debut behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Nürburgring in the 4 Hour NLS race, claiming both pole position and a dominant victory at the legendary “Green Hell.” However, the win was short-lived, as his team was later disqualified due to a technical infraction.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has been a struggle for Verstappen, with his Red Bull team facing power unit issues with the new Ford-branded engine. He was forced to retire from the previous race due to mechanical problems. Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the new technical regulations, and the GT3 series offers a welcome outlet – a chance to “travel full gas,” as he put it – without the complexities of Formula 1’s hybrid systems. Racing at the Nürburgring adds another layer of appeal for the passionate racer, and serves as preparation for a larger goal: participation in the iconic 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. To be eligible for the endurance race, he needs to actively compete in other NLS events.
Yesterday, Verstappen began this parallel racing endeavor, taking to the track at the Nürburgring for the 4 Hour NLS in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, alongside co-drivers Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon. It was a near-perfect Saturday, starting with a commanding pole position and culminating in a masterful victory, finishing a full minute ahead of the competition after a hard-fought battle with Christopher Haase in the #16 Audi. Verstappen didn’t flinch against the numerous professional drivers who call the Nürburgring home, overtaking them with his team.
However, Verstappen’s dream run quickly turned into a nightmare. Hours after crossing the finish line, the team received the devastating news: the #3 car was disqualified due to a technical irregularity, handing the win to the BMW M4 GT3 of Rowe Racing. The Winward Racing team, managing the Mercedes-AMG GT3, had used one set of tires too many, exceeding the permitted six sets.
“The disqualification is a bitter pill to swallow. Unfortunately, an error was made within the team that led to the disqualification of the car,” said Christian Hohenadel, Team Principal of Winward Racing. “This was our first race as the Mercedes-AMG Performance Team at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. I would like to apologize to all those who supported us. We will now thoroughly analyze the day, meticulously prepare for the upcoming races, and work with full concentration towards the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.”
The incident highlights the complexities of the NLS regulations, particularly for teams new to the series. According to German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport, the mistake was likely unintentional, stemming from unfamiliarity with the specific rules of the Nordschleife. This was Winward Racing’s debut as a Mercedes-AMG Performance Team in the NLS.
Verstappen’s disappointment comes amidst a challenging start to the Formula 1 season. He previously won a similar event at the Nürburgring last September, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3. The Nürburgring, nicknamed “The Green Hell” since its opening in 1927, holds a legendary status in motorsport, though it was removed from the Formula 1 schedule in 1976 due to safety concerns. Verstappen will partner Juncadella, Gounon, and Lucas Auer at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, scheduled for May 16 and 17.
Despite the setback, Verstappen’s participation in the NLS demonstrates his commitment to preparing for the grueling 24-hour race. The disqualification serves as a harsh lesson, but the experience gained will undoubtedly be valuable as he aims for success in May. The incident also underscores the importance of meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the regulations in endurance racing.
Verstappen and his team will now focus on analyzing the error and ensuring full compliance with the rules for future NLS events. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring remains the ultimate goal, and this experience will serve as a valuable learning opportunity as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
What’s next? Verstappen will continue his preparations for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring with further participation in the NLS series. The next race is scheduled for April 11th. Fans can follow updates on the official NLS website: https://www.nls.de/
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