Verstappen Secures Nurburgring Pole Shootout Spot After TQ2

Driver Max Verstappen has successfully secured a position in the pole position shootout for the Nurburgring 24 Hours after finishing sixth in Top Qualifying 2 (TQ2). Operating the Mercedes-AMG GT3, Verstappen ensured his place among the top 12 riders who will compete for the ultimate starting grid position.

The team implemented a strategic driver rotation, with Verstappen taking over the cockpit from teammate Lucas Auer, who had managed the car during TQ1. Verstappen demonstrated immediate pace at the start of TQ2, briefly topping the timing charts. This early performance indicated that the vehicle's setup had reached an optimal balance between high-speed stability and technical precision required for the Nurburgring's complex layout.

However, the session's momentum was significantly disrupted by the implementation of a Code 60 following a crash involving Maro Engel. In endurance racing, a Code 60 is a mandatory speed restriction enforced to ensure the safety of track marshals and medical personnel. This interruption prevented Verstappen from executing a final flying lap under peak grip conditions, allowing several competitors to improve their times and move ahead of him in the standings.

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Despite the technical interruption, Verstappen maintained a competitive edge, recording a time of 8:11.614. This placed him in a tight battle with front-running entries from Lamborghini and Porsche. The marginal gap between the top six riders—less than two seconds separating first from sixth—underscores the extreme competitiveness of the SP9 class and the efficiency of the Mercedes-AMG GT3's power delivery.

Comparing the TQ2 data, the gap to the fastest lap—set by Red Bull Team ABT at 8:10.485—was minimal. This narrow delta suggests that Verstappen's car is operating at a high technical level, particularly in terms of traction exiting the corners and aerodynamic efficiency on the long straights. The ability to remain within this window despite the Code 60 interruption confirms the car's inherent pace.

The focus now shifts to the final pole shootout, scheduled for 13:35 local time. By advancing to the Top 12, the team has gained a critical strategic advantage, as a front-row start is essential for avoiding the high-risk congestion typically seen during the opening phase of a 24-hour marathon. Verstappen and his engineering team will now optimize the final configuration to maximize single-lap performance for the shootout.