Max Verstappen experiences an extreme weekend on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife: first a tragedy, then a great show and ultimately a bitter end
Formula 1 star Max Verstappen experienced a weekend on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife that could hardly have been more intense. There were only a few hours between spectacular duels, tragic news and an unexpected defect.
The Dutchman used the break in the racing calendar to gain further experience in the GT3 car at the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers. However, the planned learning weekend turned into an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Saturday was different than expected. After a solid qualifying session, which was initially good enough for sixth on the grid, Verstappen and team-mate Lucas Auer were demoted three positions. Auer, the nephew of Gerhard Berger, had collided with another car.
In the first race, however, Verstappen did not take part at all. The race was stopped after just 25 minutes following a serious accident. Later came the sad certainty: 66-year-old driver Juha Miettinen succumbed to his injuries.
Shock after fatal accident
“I am shocked by what happened today,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram that evening. “Motorsport is something we all love, but in moments like this we realize how dangerous it is.”
On Sunday, the focus was back on the sport – accompanied by a minute’s silence before the start. Verstappen took the start in the second race and immediately caused a stir. From fifth position, he quickly worked his way forward with determined maneuvers and shortly afterwards fought an intense duel with Audi driver Christopher Haase.
The two had already fought a thrilling duel a few weeks earlier at the season opener of the Nürburgring endurance series – on Sunday, it continued seamlessly on the Nordschleife.
On the fourth lap, Verstappen came out on top in the fast Schwedenkreuz section and took the lead. But Haase kept up the pace. On the Döttinger Höhe, there were several direct duels in the slipstream – including slight contact. Despite the pressure, Verstappen defended his position – hard but fair. “Very respectful, great driving,” said Haase later. “He always positioned himself perfectly.”
Lead – and then the sudden setback
However, the potential success story turned into a mystery shortly afterwards. After the first pit stop, Verstappen was still in the lead before suddenly heading for the pits again – much earlier than planned. It quickly became clear that there was a problem.
“On the second lap of my second stint, I noticed that something was wrong because the front splitter was broken,” reported Verstappen afterwards. “It’s strange, because I didn’t touch anyone.
The team repaired the damage, but lost more than 20 minutes in the process. That was the end of the race in sporting terms. In the end, Verstappen and Auer only finished 38th, several laps down.
A lot learned – one crucial point still missing
Despite this disappointing result, Verstappen drew a positive conclusion. “I had fun and the car felt good, so I’m happy with that. I also completed my stints, even in heavy traffic, which was pretty intense,“ he says.
”I had battles with other GT3 cars, so that was good preparation for the 24-hour race. I’m as ready as you can be. The only thing I haven’t done yet is drive in the dark,” concludes Verstappen.
He wants to make up for this experience at the 24-hour race. Before that, however, another task awaits: the Miami Grand Prix in Formula 1.
