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Max Verstappen’s strong charge in the Nürburgring NLS5 crumbles due to unexpected car damage. Here’s why this incident could impact his momentum ahead of the critical 24 Hours race next month.
The legendary Nordschleife proved challenging for Verstappen on Sunday during the NLS5 qualifying race, following the somber mood from the tragic NLS4 event. After a respectful minute's silence, the race kicked off with Verstappen's teammate, Lucas Auer, securing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 in fifth place. Verstappen took the wheel and quickly showcased his skills, moving from fourth to a commanding lead with a 30-second gap by the second stint.
However, disaster struck 38 minutes into that stint when he reported unsettling vibrations, likely due to damage to the car's front splitter. The Team Verstappen No. 3 car limped into the pits for nearly thirty minutes of repairs, which dashed hopes for a podium finish. The No. 16 Rowe Racing BMW, driven by Max Hesse, Jordan Pepper, and Kelvin van der Linde, ultimately claimed the victory. After repairs, Auer returned to the track but managed only a disappointing 21st place in the GT3 class and 39th overall. This marks another frustrating chapter for Verstappen at the Nordschleife, extending his quest for a clean win at the iconic circuit.
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