Max Verstappen and his Verstappen Racing outfit have responded publicly following a frustrating and controversial disqualification from the NLS2 race at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, issuing a brief but composed message in the aftermath of the decision.
The team, which entered the event as part of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), had initially celebrated what appeared to be an impressive victory on Saturday. Verstappen shared driving duties with experienced GT racers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, forming a strong trio that dominated large portions of the endurance race. Their performance saw them cross the finish line comfortably ahead of the competition, marking what would have been Verstappen’s second triumph in the series.
The reigning Formula 1 world champion played a key role in the team’s success, handling both the opening and closing stints of the race. His pace and consistency helped establish a commanding lead, reinforcing his adaptability outside of F1 machinery and further building his reputation as a versatile driver across different racing disciplines.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. Several hours after the chequered flag had fallen, post-race scrutiny revealed a breach of technical regulations involving the #3 car entered by Verstappen Racing. Officials determined that the team had exceeded the permitted number of tyre sets during qualifying. While the rules allowed a maximum of six sets, the car had reportedly used seven—an infringement that ultimately proved decisive.
As a consequence, race stewards took the significant step of removing the car from the final classification entirely. This meant that Verstappen and his team-mates were stripped of their victory, turning what had been a standout performance into a disappointing outcome.
In response to the ruling, Verstappen Racing released a concise statement on social media, choosing to remain measured rather than confrontational. “Tough outcome, but we keep moving,” the team wrote, acknowledging the setback without directly disputing the decision. The statement continued with a forward-looking tone: “A lot to take from the weekend and plenty to look forward to,” suggesting that the team remains optimistic despite the setback.
The disqualification also drew a reaction from Mercedes-AMG, whose GT3 machinery was used in the race. The manufacturer expressed its disappointment over the situation, underlining the frustration felt across all parties involved after what had seemed like a successful outing on track.
Despite the controversy, Verstappen’s focus now appears firmly set on future appearances at the iconic German circuit. The Dutchman is already scheduled to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May, one of the most demanding endurance races in the world. Additionally, he has hinted at a possible return even sooner, with the next NLS round offering another opportunity to bounce back from this setback.
While the disqualification will undoubtedly sting, particularly given the dominant nature of the performance, the overall weekend still showcased Verstappen’s growing involvement and competitiveness in endurance racing. For Verstappen Racing, the incident serves as both a learning experience and a reminder of the strict regulatory environment that governs motorsport at every level.
In the end, although the result has been erased from the record books, the team’s calm and resilient response reflects a determination to move forward quickly and return stronger in the races to come.
