Nurburg: Max Verstappen secured a dominant pole position for the second round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS2) on Saturday, marking his territory at the "Green Hell" while delivering a pointed critique of modern Formula 1 technology.

Driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for his own "Team Verstappen Racing" outfit, the three-time World Champion clocked a blistering 7:51.751 lap. The performance placed him nearly two seconds clear of his closest rival, veteran Christopher Haase, despite a qualifying session frequently interrupted by "Code 60" speed restrictions.

Following the session, Verstappen praised the raw, mechanical nature of the GT3 machinery compared to the complex hybrid systems he manages in his primary career.

"At least you can drive flat out without looking after the battery," Verstappen remarked, referencing the intricate energy recovery and deployment management required by current F1 power units.

Preparation for the 24 Hours

Verstappen is sharing the Winward Racing-run Mercedes this weekend with teammates Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon. For the Dutchman, the NLS2 entry serves as vital preparation for his upcoming debut in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this May.

The achievement is particularly notable as the team was forced to utilise a backup chassis after sustaining suspension damage during Friday’s private testing. Despite the lack of track time in the replacement car, Verstappen’s pace remained untouched by the Nordschleife regulars.

Contrast to F1 Struggles

The prominent event at the Nürburgring stands in stark contrast to Verstappen’s current 2026 Formula 1 season, which has been troubled by reliability issues and technical setbacks. His ability to quickly adapt to an unfamiliar GT3 car and immediately outperform local specialists has reignited discussions about his natural driving versatility.

The four-hour endurance race began later in the day, with Verstappen expected to complete a significant portion of it as he balances his endurance debut with preparations for next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.