Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 22: In a dramatic turn of events, reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was disqualified from the NLS2 (GT3) race at the Nürburgring after post-race checks revealed a violation of tyre regulations.

Verstappen, who competed alongside teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, had initially secured a commanding victory in the four-hour endurance race. The trio, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3, crossed the finish line nearly a minute ahead of their closest rivals after starting from pole position.

However, the result was overturned hours later following technical inspections. Officials found that the car had used seven sets of tyres during the race—exceeding the maximum limit of six sets permitted under the regulations—leading to immediate disqualification.

Responding to the development, Mercedes-AMG acknowledged the breach and termed it an internal oversight. The team stated that an earlier error in tyre allocation led to the rule violation, ultimately costing them a well-earned victory despite a strong on-track performance.

The incident marks a setback for Verstappen, ending his flawless record in GT3 competition and adding to a series of recent disappointments in his racing calendar.

While attention will now shift to upcoming races, the Nürburgring episode underscores the importance of strict compliance with technical regulations in motorsport, where even minor lapses can have significant consequences.