Daniel Juncadella, who is competing in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring with Mercedes alongside Max Verstappen, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer in the team’s #3 car, spoke about the close relationship with Verstappen, built over the years in simulator races and now brought to real tracks. “He is a good friend. I have known him for many years. We share a lot in sim racing, and now we can share that in real life, which is definitely very cool.”
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According to the Spanish driver, the environment within the team has been one of the positive points in preparing for the race. “Endurance racing is about partnership and camaraderie,” he said. “Jules and I are like brothers. Luggi [Auer], I have known for many years. Max fits perfectly because he is very easy to get along with.”
Verstappen’s participation in Nürburgring also rekindled old conversations between the two drivers about endurance. “I always said: ‘The day you go to Nürburgring, you can count on me’,” Juncadella revealed.
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Even recognizing Verstappen’s limited experience in endurance, the Spaniard believes that the exchange within the team will be positive for everyone. “There is much we can learn from a four-time world champion. Not only in driving but also in terms of technical knowledge.”
Regarding expectations for the race, Juncadella made Mercedes’ goal clear. “We want to win. That is very, very clear,” he said. Still, he emphasized that the unpredictable weather of the Nordschleife can be decisive. “You never know in this place. It can go very wrong,” he said. “But if everything fits, the car is fast, the drivers are fast, and we will have a chance to win.”
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