GT3 driver Maro Engel regrets the problems at Max Verstappen’s team during the 24 hours of the Nürburgring. After a convincing stint by the Dutch F1 driver, the #3 Mercedes seemed to be heading for a brilliant victory. However, problems during Daniel Juncadella’s stint threw a wrench in the works. The #80 Mercedes – with Engel behind the wheel among others – inherited the lead.
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“Of course, it’s very unfortunate for Verstappen’s team,” Maro Engel responded after handing over his car to Fabian Schiller. “I really feel sorry for those guys.” At the same time, he benefited from the problems at the sister team; RAVENOL is now on course to win the race. “Everything is going well for us so far,” Engel added. “The car runs well, feels good, and of course the focus is now on getting through the remaining hours without problems.”
Read more Verstappen extends lead further, team on course for overall victory
Engel was still involved in a fierce duel with Max Verstappen during the night. The Dutchman managed to pass him in the dark and then kept the #80 Mercedes at a suitable distance. Earlier this week, the German had already buried the hatchet. During Verstappen’s first test laps at the Nürburgring in 2025 – then still under the pseudonym Franz Hermann – he accused the Dutchman of driving with a special setup. Verstappen later refuted those rumors with a sharp message on social media.
Read more Verstappen back in action at Nürburgring, lead intact with six hours to go
