The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours has taken a significant twist, with a mechanical issue forcing the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing entry into the garage in the 21st hour.
The Winward Racing-run machine had been in control of the race since Hour 12, with Daniel Juncadella starting his most-recent stint with a 43-second advantage over the sister Ravenol-branded #80 Mercedes-AMG of Maro Engel.
The Spaniard, however, started slowing with three-and-three-quarter hours remaining, losing 15 seconds to his team-mate on a single lap, before reducing pace further on his next tour.
As Juncadella limped back to the pits, Engel charged through to take the lead on-track. Upon reaching pit lane, the #3 Mercedes-AMG was pushed back into its garage, where it remained with just over three hours to go. Juncadella was soon out of the car as mechanics continued to work in the right-rear wheel well.
According to Mercedes-AMG customer motorsport boss Stefan Wendl, the initial diagnosis was ABS failure due to suspected electric issue, however on further inspection a broken driveshaft and other damage in the vicinity was discovered. Despite the lengthy repairs required, Wendl stated that in agreement with its drivers, the #3 car would not be retired and the aim would now be to repair it and get it back on track for the final two or three laps of the race, as a thank you to the numerous fans who’ve been following Verstappen’s debut attempt at the race this year.
The pole-sitting #84 Red Bull Team Abt Lamborghini has therefore moved into second, over five minutes behind Engel, with Luca Engstler currently heading a four-way fight also involving the #81 BMW M3 Touring 24H (the best-placed BMW overall), the #34 Walkenhorst Motorsport Aston Martin and the #99 ROWE Racing BMW.
Image courtesy of GruppeC Photography
