Max Verstappen secured Verstappen Racing’s presence in the decisive phase of qualifying for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, but will not be able to participate in the final battle for pole position. The four-time Formula 1 world champion finished Top Qualifying 2 among the seven fastest and secured the team’s spot in Top Qualifying 3.
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The result was important to keep car #3 in the fight for the best positions on the starting grid of the traditional German race. However, according to the session rules, Verstappen is prohibited from returning to the track this Friday as he was the driver responsible for the team’s qualifying lap in the second segment.
Alongside Lucas Auer, the Dutchman ended his driving activities at the Nurburgring circuit this Friday (15). Verstappen finished Top Qualifying 2 in sixth position, a performance sufficient to place Verstappen Racing among those qualified for the final determination of starting positions.
The event regulations prevent the same driver from participating again in the decisive session after setting the team’s time in Top Qualifying 2. The situation also affected Kevin Estre, who drove the Manthey Racing Porsche #911 in Top Qualifying 1 held earlier.
While Verstappen was out of the final phase due to regulatory reasons, another strong name was eliminated after an incident. Maro Engel, who had set the fastest lap on Thursday, suffered an accident with the Mercedes-AMG #80 during the second segment of the session and was unable to set a time.
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As a result, Dani Juncadella will represent Verstappen Racing in Top Qualifying 3 later this Friday. The Spaniard will be responsible for attempting to secure the best possible position on the grid for the main race on Saturday.
The decisive session will feature twelve cars competing. Seven advanced through Top Qualifying 2, while another five had already secured early presence in the final phase of qualifying.
Even without returning to the track, Verstappen fulfilled the team’s main objective by placing the car among the qualifiers. Now, the driver will watch from the pit wall as Verstappen Racing attempts to turn Friday’s good performance into a prominent starting position for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.
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