Verstappen Racing secures third in the opening Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifying on the Nordschleife, as late rain disrupts the order. The session underscores how narrow the operating window is.

Verstappen initially leads in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3. Driver rotations and changing grip then swing momentum. With around thirty minutes left, Team RAVENOL’s #80 Mercedes moves to the top.

Fabio Schuller sets the reference at 8:14.957, a strong dry-window lap before widespread drizzle arrives. That time frames the rest of the session.

ROWE Racing’s #1 BMW M4 GT3 responds with 8:18.069 to take second. Verstappen’s entry posts 8:18.539, banking third as the surface cools and grip recedes.

The sister ROWE BMW, car #99, clocks 8:18.602 for fourth. Manthey’s Porsche 911 GT3 places fifth on 8:21.717, ahead of Red Bull Team ABT’s Lamborghini in sixth.

Schubert Motorsport’s BMW M4 GT3 is seventh with 8:26.625. HRT Ford Racing’s Mustang sits eighth, followed by Scherer Sport’s Audi R8 LMS in ninth.

Dunlop Motorsport completes the top ten with the Porsche 911 GT3 R on 8:27.176. The variation reflects differing track phases and out-lap positioning as weather shifts.

The session demonstrates typical Nordschleife complexity. Early runners exploit the best grip. Later attempts pay only if traffic clears and sectors stay dry long enough to stitch a lap.

The multi-session format keeps stakes high. Teams now target cleaner laps and night data before Top-Qualifying sets pole. A strong banker reduces risk if conditions deteriorate again.

Scrutiny intensifies with Max Verstappen’s involvement. The crew’s third place suggests solid baseline pace and cohesion. Execution on tyre choice, out-lap prep, and stint sequencing will determine their ceiling.

Balance of Performance governs GT3 parity and remains a key variable. As temperatures stabilise, pace order can compress, making track position and procedural discipline decisive.

Visual Summary

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.