Nürburgring 24 Hours: Verstappen's Lead Crumbles with Three Hours Left

Max Verstappen's Nürburgring 24 Hours campaign fell apart with just three hours to go. The reigning Formula 1 champion's #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, which had led for much of the race, suffered a sudden mechanical failure that dropped it to 11th overall. The #80 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, driven by Engel, Stolz, Schiller and Martin, capitalized to take the victory with 135 laps completed.

Why it matters:

The setback marks a bitter ending to Verstappen's high-profile endurance racing debut at the Nordschleife. After dominating large portions of the race alongside co-drivers Auer, Gounon, and Juncadella, the late failure denied him a famous victory and highlighted the punishing nature of the 24-hour classic.

The details:

• With three hours remaining, the #3 car was leading the race comfortably. Then disaster: a reported mechanical issue forced a lengthy pit stop, dropping them multiple laps.
• The team rejoined in 11th place, one lap down from the race leader. They remain classified but are now out of contention for the win.
• The #80 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 (Engel/Stolz/Schiller/Martin) inherited the lead and held it to the finish, beating the #34 Walkenhorst Aston Martin by one lap.
• Other notable finishers: #99 ROWE BMW M4 GT3 EVO in 3rd, and the #84 Red Bull ABT Lamborghini in 4th. The #82 BMW M Motorsport M3 Touring finished 5th.

What's next:

The final hours of the race will see Verstappen's team aim to salvage a top-10 result. For the four-time F1 champ, the focus now shifts back to his Red Bull F1 duties as the 2026 season approaches its European rounds. The Nürburgring 24 Hours once again proved that even the best can be humbled by the Green Hell.