Mercedes took a commanding victory at the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours, as Winward Racing’s #80 car executed flawless tire calls amid chaotic rain. The quartet of Schiller, Engel, Martin, and Stolz locked down an early lead, skillfully navigating the treacherous Nordschleife despite a hairy late-night battle with Max Verstappen. While their sister #3 car initially ran a strong second, a driveshaft failure dashed hopes for a Mercedes one-two, dropping Verstappen’s machine out of contention.
Even with the mechanical setback, Team Verstappen’s debut elevated the race's profile. Max delivered supreme night stints and aggressive passes, showcasing his relentless competitive drive beyond F1. Finishing 38th doesn't tell the full story of his grit. Major losers included the Red Bull Team Abt Lamborghinis. Despite qualifying one-two and boasting immense pace, early penalties for a jump start and a race-ending puncture from contact with Verstappen's car derailed their campaign. This N24 showed that even for a global superstar, the Green Hell can be brutally unforgiving.
Read the full story at The Race