Max Verstappen left GT3 officials in ‘absolute disbelief’ before Nurburgring 24 Hours heartbreak

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Max Verstappen’s victory hopes at the Nurburgring 24 Hours were wrecked by a late car issue, but he still produced a stellar performance.

Verstappen Racing were leading their Mercedes counterparts with four hours to go when the Dutchman handed the car over to teammate Dani Juncadella. But Juncadella slowed on track on the third lap of his stint.

When the Spaniard returned to the pits, the mechanics discovered a driveshaft problem that necessitated lengthy repairs and removed them from contention. It’s another cruel outcome for Verstappen at the Nordschleife after a breach of tyre rules cost him a victory in a four-hour race in March.

GT3 officials sum up Max Verstappen’s Nurburgring 24 Hours performance in five words

According to Thomas Maher of Planet F1, senior GT3 officials described Verstappen’s double-stint on Saturday as ‘nothing less than a masterclass’.

Verstappen was praised for an ‘incredible display’ after overtaking six cars. Most notably, he dipped two wheels on the grass as he passed the #47 Mercedes of Jesse Krohn.

That unorthodox move was apparently met with ‘absolute disbelief’ among the championship’s bosses.

Verstappen.com Racing said they were ‘absolutely gutted’ by the mechanical failure that saw the masterclass go to waste.

The presence of the four-time champion drew a record 325,000 fans to the circuit across the entire event, smashing the previous record of 280,000 set last year.

• READ MORE: Martin Brundle shares simple reason Max Verstappen is ‘most gifted’ driver he’s ever seen in the wet

Verstappen’s attention will now turn to the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend, where Red Bull will hope to build on the improvement they made in Miami. The 28-year-old’s GT3 programme is likely to continue in the meantime.

While the Nurburgring 24 Hours is one of the most prestigious endurance events, Le Mans is on another level entirely. Looking to 2027, that could be Verstappen’s next target, though he might also seek redemption at the Nordschleife.