Max Verstappen Disqualified From Nürburgring GT3 Race After Tyre Violation
Four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen experienced a setback in his preparation for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, as his team was disqualified from a recent GT3 race at the Nürburgring after winning. The disqualification stemmed from a technical infringement regarding tyre usage.
Race Details and Disqualification
Verstappen, driving alongside teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon for Verstappen Racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, initially secured victory in the four-hour ADAC Barbarossapreis event, part of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. Although, a post-race technical inspection revealed that the team had used seven sets of tyres, exceeding the permitted limit of six. ESPN and The Guardian reported on the incident.
Verstappen’s team was disqualified, and the win was awarded to Dan Harper and Jordan Pepper, driving a BMW M4 GT3 for Rowe Racing.
Preparation for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring
This race served as preparation for Verstappen’s upcoming participation in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in May. Verstappen Racing has entered a team for the event, with Verstappen partnering Juncadella, Gounon, and Lucas Auer. ESPN confirmed his participation.
Recent Formula One Performance
The GT3 race provided a break for Verstappen from a challenging start to the 2026 Formula One season. He finished sixth in the Australian Grand Prix and did not finish the race in Shanghai. He is scheduled to compete in the Japan Grand Prix next. The Guardian detailed his recent F1 results.
Verstappen’s Expanding Racing Interests
Verstappen has expressed a desire to explore racing opportunities outside of Formula One. He previously won a similar GT3 event at the Nürburgring in September with Chris Lulham in a Ferrari 296 GT3. ESPN highlighted his broader racing ambitions.
The Nürburgring, known as “The Green Hell,” has a storied history, having been removed from the Formula One schedule in 1976 due to safety concerns.