Verstappen’s Nürburgring 24-hour hopes end in late driveshaft failure
The mechanical issue cost the Dutch driver a debut win after his car had led for much of the race
Max Verstappen’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 before a late mechanical problem ended its winning chance at the Nürburgring.
Max Verstappen’s bid to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours on debut ended when a driveshaft failure knocked his car out of contention with just over three hours remaining. The problem struck after the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 had led the race for long stretches and was still in control by around 30 seconds before the failure.
The car, shared by Verstappen, Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, first showed signs of trouble with a warning and increasing vibrations before the team had to bring it back to the pits. Once the car was inspected, the rear axle damage was traced to the driveshaft issue, and the delay ended any realistic chance of victory.
Before the failure, Verstappen had put in a strong stint and helped build the lead on the demanding Nordschleife circuit. The race was then left to the sister Mercedes entry, which went on to take the overall win after Verstappen’s car lost time in the garage.
Verstappen said he hoped to return to the event in the future, while Juncadella called it a dream race that ended too soon for the leading car. The setback came after Verstappen and his team had made a strong debut in one of endurance racing’s most demanding events
