Max Verstappen loses Nurburgring victory after exceeding tyre limit

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and his Mercedes-AMG teammates have been disqualified from Saturday’s Nurburgring Nordschleife race victory after exceeding their tyre allocation.

The Dutchman had partnered with Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon to secure a dominant victory in the second round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie.

Driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3, the trio crossed the finish line more than a minute ahead of the chasing pack.

However, post-race inspections revealed the team had used seven sets of tyres across qualifying and the race, breaching the mandated six-set limit.

Rowe Racing inherit victory following rules breach

Following the retrospective disqualification, the race win was subsequently awarded to the Rowe Racing duo of Don Harper and Jordan Pepper.

Verstappen Racing released a measured response on social media acknowledging the setback while focusing on future events.

“Tough outcome, but we keep moving,” the statement read.

“A lot to take from the weekend and plenty to look forward to.”

Mercedes acknowledge behind-the-scenes error

The operational error was managed by Winward Racing, who were fielding this specific performance car line-up for the first time in the endurance series.

Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG customer racing, admitted the logistical mistake severely dampened an otherwise extraordinary day on the track.

“The disappointment was all the greater when we realised that we had made a mistake behind the scenes that morning and the race organisers were forced to disqualify the winning car,” Wendl explained.

“It shows once again that you can only win on the Nordschleife if everything comes together.”

Potential early return to the Green Hell

The Red Bull driver is expected to return to the famously unforgiving German circuit for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May.

However, the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix owing to conflict in the Middle East has created an unexpected gap in the reigning world champion’s primary racing schedule.

This calendar opening has raised the possibility of the prolific racer competing in the next round of the endurance series next month.

“We’re looking into it,” he responded when questioned about a swift comeback.

“It depends if it is feasible, but I’m always happy to race here.”