Max Verstappen Stripped of Nordschleife Victory After Tire Rule Breach

Max Verstappen has suffered from a disappointing DSQ in the NLS2 race at Nürburgring following breach of tire rules in the race.

Max Verstappen Stripped of Nordschleife Victory After Tire Rule Breach

Max Verstappen at the NLS2 with teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon (image via David Klopman/Verstappen.com)

In Short
  • Max Verstappen was disqualified from the NLS2 race after breaching tire rules by using seven sets instead of the allowed six.
  • The disqualification moved the #99 BMW team to victory, despite Verstappen's initial strong performance.
  • Verstappen described the outing as a valuable experience for preparing for the upcoming 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

Max Verstappen put forth an extremely impressive performance during the NLS2 outing with Mercedes. The Dutchman was able to achieve pole position in his first attempt and was looking stronger than the majority of the experienced GT3 drivers. However, an unfortunate rule breach resulted in Verstappen suffering a disqualification from the race.

Notably, Max Verstappen and his Mercedes team won on the former’s debut in the NL2 at Nürburgring. He drove the Mercedes GT3 during the initial hours and in the final stint. Ultimately, the trio of Verstappen, Dani Juncadella, and Jules Gounon won the NLS2 with an impressive 59-second lead over the rivals.

However, after the race and victory celebration, it was discovered that Max Verstappen and his team used seven sets of tires over the four-hour race. The legal limit for the set of tires is six, which meant that the team clearly breached the rules. As such, Verstappen and Co. are disqualified from the race, moving the #99 BMW towards the victory.

Certainly, this would be a massive disappointment for Max Verstappen, especially following the difficult start to the 2026 season in Formula 1. Despite the woeful end to the day, Verstappen was able to prepare well for the upcoming 24 hours of Nurburgring debut with Mercedes. The four-time champion received a lot of praise from the GT3 legend Christopher Haase, who piloted the #16 Audi.

Max Verstappen labels NLS2 outing ‘good experience’ despite DSQ

Max Verstappen will soon participate in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, especially after the NLS changed the schedule to accommodate the F1 star. Notably, the NLS2 race was more the gain experience and getting to grips with the driving style of the GT3 cars around the Green Hell. As such, despite ending the weekend on a disappointment, the 28-year-old is looking at the positives so far.

Max Verstappen (via GPFans)
Max Verstappen (via GPFans)

Speaking on his experience, Max Verstappen noted that the weekend was about gaining experience driving the cars at the Nordschleife. Moreover, the team prepared the car really well, and Verstappen was able to enjoy some good testing sessions. The Dutchman felt comfortable in the car as the entire experience was great for him. Hence, it wouldn’t be surprising to witness the 28-year-old return for yet another session in the NLS2.

For me, this whole weekend has been about getting to grips with the car on the Nordschleife. Which yes, it was super enjoyable. The team also prepared the car really well, so we could do some decent testing. They made me feel really comfortable with the car. So yeah, really good experience for me.

Max Verstappen said via Verstappen.com.

For now, Max Verstappen will shift focus towards the Japanese GP in Formula 1. The four-time champion has suffered from one of the worst starts to the season in his career. Moreover, the complex 2026 regulations aren’t helping Verstappen either. Ultimately, the Dutchman could exit the pinnacle of motorsport and race in other categories and expand his experience beyond horizons.

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