Car damage denies Max Verstappen NLS5 victory chance

Max Verstappen’s victory hopes at NLS ended by car damage

Updated: 20 Apr 2026

Verstappen is preparing to tackle the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen’s victory hopes at NLS5 were dashed after car damage forced a lengthy pitstop for the No.3 Mercedes.

The four-time F1 world champion returned to the Nurburgring this weekend to take part in NLS4 and NLS5 as part of the Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifiers.

Max Verstappen was absent from NLS3 last weekend due to the Winward-run Team Verstappen No.3 car taking part in GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard.

He returned to the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes alongside Lucas Auer for this weekend’s NLS4 and NLS5 events.

However, NLS4 was abandoned after a serious seven-car crash inside the opening hour claimed the life of experienced amateur racer Juha Miettinen.

NLS5 went ahead as planned, though there was a minute’s silence held on the grid prior to the start.

The No.3 Team Verstappen car was qualified fifth by Auer, though it was four-time F1 champion Verstappen who took the start.

He immediately moved up to fourth, before steadily working his way into the lead inside the opening hour ahead of his first pitstop.

Verstappen remained in the car for a second stint and established a lead of around 30 seconds, though would be forced into the pits just 38 minutes after his first stop.

The No.3 car was wheeled back into the garage, where work began on the front-end of the Mercedes.

Verstappen later noted suffering vibrations during his second stint, with the splitter on his car taking damage, though it remains unclear why.

The No.3 car was stationary for almost half an hour, ending all hopes of a second NLS win for Verstappen.

The car was repaired, and Auer was able to get out for the final two hours of racing, though he could advance no higher than 21st in the top GT3 class and 39th overall.

The No.16 Rowe Racing BMW driven by Max Hesse, Jordan Pepper and Kelvin van der Linde won the race.

Verstappen’s car issues mark his second dose of misfortune at the NLS this season, after victory in NLS2 was stripped from the No.3 crew due to a tyre usage error.