Max Verstappen Qualifies for Nurburgring 24 Hours Pole Shootout with Sixth in TQ2
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has successfully qualified for the pole position shootout at the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours. Driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for Team Verstappen Racing, Verstappen finished sixth in the second Top Qualifying session (TQ2) with a lap time of 8m11.614s. Although this time was faster than the previous year's overall pole record, it placed him approximately 1.129 seconds behind session leader Nick Yelloly of Team Abt Audi. The qualifying format required drivers to finish within the top seven of TQ2 to advance to the final pole-determining session. Verstappen initially led the session but dropped positions as competitors improved their times in the final minutes. He joins five other pre-qualified cars, including entries from Kondo Racing, Scherer Sport, and Rowe Racing, in a 12-car shootout for pole position. Daniel Juncadella is scheduled to drive the Mercedes in the final session. The event highlights intense competition among top GT teams, with notable incidents such as Maro Engel spinning out, eliminating one of the pre-race favorites from contention.
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