Overview
- Verstappen, who took over near the one-hour mark Saturday, surged from 10th after the pit cycle to the overall lead during a double stint.
- He brushed a barrier after the car lifted over a crest, then settled and pulled off decisive passes to move to the front before handing over to Jules Gounon.
- As night running began, live coverage showed the #3 Mercedes effectively trading the lead with Winward’s sister #80 entry, with other contenders several minutes back.
- Early chaos reshaped the order when the polesitting #84 Lamborghini pitted for a puncture after contact and Marco Mapelli’s #130 received a 32‑second jump‑start penalty.
- Event organizers reported a sellout, and Mercedes’ customer racing chief said Verstappen’s entry brought in many fans who usually only watch Formula 1.