GT3 News: Verstappen’s Nordschleife NLS2 Win Stripped by Tire Violation as Teams React and F1 Star Eyes Return
In a rollercoaster weekend at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) – only for a technical infringement to snatch victory away hours after the checkered flag.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
Driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Winward Racing (entered under the Verstappen Racing banner) alongside teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, the Dutchman opened and closed the four-hour NLS2 endurance race on Saturday. The trio crossed the line a crushing 59 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals, marking what appeared to be a flawless debut for this specific lineup in the series.
Verstappen, who handled the opening stint in a wheel-to-wheel battle with an Audi before cruising in the finale, was visibly thrilled with the experience. “This whole weekend has been about getting to grips with the car around the Nordschleife,” he said. “It’s been super enjoyable, the team has also prepared the car really well… I’m happy to be a part of that.” He praised the simulator work that helped him as a “rookie” on the infamous 20.8km track and highlighted the passionate German fans.
The result would have extended Verstappen’s perfect record in GT3 machinery. Instead, post-race scrutineering delivered a bombshell: the car was disqualified for exceeding the maximum tire allocation.
According to reports, the #3 entry used seven sets of tires – one over the permitted limit of six – either during qualifying or the race itself (accounts differ slightly on the exact timing). The penalty was confirmed several hours after the race, turning celebration into disbelief.
Verstappen Racing’s Response: “Tough Outcome, But We Keep Moving”
Verstappen Racing issued a short but resolute statement on Sunday morning, acknowledging the pain while refusing to dwell on it:
“Tough outcome, but we keep moving. A lot to take from the weekend and plenty to look forward to.”
The team’s measured tone reflected the weekend’s bigger picture: this was never just about one race. The NLS rounds serve as vital preparation for the centrepiece event – the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May, where Verstappen is already confirmed to compete.
Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing Issues Official Statement
As the manufacturer behind the winning (and later disqualified) GT3 machinery, Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing also released a detailed official response via Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing Stefan Wendl:
“The NLS weekend will remain in our memories for a long time: we saw pure racing on the track, experienced an extraordinary day in terms of atmosphere, and were initially delighted with the supposed race victory. The disappointment was all the greater when we realized that we had made a mistake behind the scenes that morning and the race organizers were forced to disqualify the winning car. That hurts, and naturally everyone involved is very disappointed. It shows once again that you can only win on the Nordschleife if everything comes together.
“Winward Racing, who managed the deployment of the two Performance cars, were competing in this line-up for the first time in the NLS. Now we need to analyze the mistakes, whilst also taking the positive lessons from the weekend on board and focusing on the remaining preparatory races as well as the 24-hour race.”
The statement struck a tone of accountability, emphasizing the “behind the scenes” error that occurred that morning and the need to learn ahead of the big endurance showpiece.
Verstappen Hints at NLS3 Return on April 11
Despite the late heartbreak, Verstappen’s enthusiasm for the Nordschleife remained undimmed. When asked whether a return for the next round – NLS3 on April 11 – was possible, he replied:
“We’re looking into it, it depends if it is feasible. But I’m always happy to race here.”
With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled earlier in the season, the Red Bull driver suddenly has rare free weekends that align perfectly with the German endurance calendar. A return would give him more seat time in the Mercedes GT3 ahead of the 24-hour epic.
The weekend capped what has been a difficult March for the champion following his retirement from the Chinese Grand Prix. Yet the speed shown – and the clear enjoyment of the “Green Hell” – suggests the Nordschleife could become a welcome distraction from F1 pressures.
As the dust settles on the disqualification, one thing is clear: Verstappen has tasted victory at one of motorsport’s most demanding venues. Whether he returns for NLS3 or saves his next outing for the 24-hour showdown in May, the four-time champion has already signaled he’ll be back – and the Nordschleife faithful will be waiting.