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Verstappen Takes NLS2 Pole and One-Minute Win on Mercedes-AMG Debut at the Nordschleife

The GT3 outing serves as preparation for his Nürburgring 24 Hours campaign.

Overview

  • Driving the #3 Winward-run Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, Verstappen set pole in 7:51.751, nearly two seconds clear.
  • The team bounced back from Friday practice trouble by retiring a suspected suspension-hit primary car and switching to a spare chassis.
  • Verstappen repassed Christopher Haase’s #16 Audi after an opening-lap lead change, before Juncadella and then Gounon built control of the four-hour race.
  • The Mercedes entry won by 59.524 seconds over ROWE’s #99 BMW, with Falken’s #44 Porsche taking third after late multi-car battles.
  • Verstappen said he is evaluating an April 11 NLS3 entry as he readies for May’s 24 Hours at the circuit, while continuing to criticize F1’s 2026 cars.