{"id":1891571,"date":"2026-04-19T15:10:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T12:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1891571"},"modified":"2026-04-19T15:10:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T12:10:16","slug":"car-damage-denies-max-verstappen-nls5-victory-chance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1891571","title":{"rendered":"Car damage denies Max Verstappen NLS5 victory chance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Car damage denies Max Verstappen NLS5 victory chance<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes at NLS ended by car damage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Duncan <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-19T16:10:16+01:00\">19 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Verstappen is preparing to tackle the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes at NLS5 were dashed after car damage forced a lengthy pitstop for the No.3 Mercedes.<\/p>\n<p>The four-time F1 world champion returned to the Nurburgring this weekend to take part in NLS4 and NLS5 as part of the Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifiers.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen was absent from NLS3 last weekend due to the Winward-run Team Verstappen No.3 car taking part in GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard.<\/p>\n<p>He returned to the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes alongside Lucas Auer for this weekend\u2019s NLS4 and NLS5 events.<\/p>\n<p>However, NLS4 was abandoned after a serious seven-car crash inside the opening hour claimed the life of experienced amateur racer Juha Miettinen.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>NLS5 went ahead as planned, though there was a minute\u2019s silence held on the grid prior to the start.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 Team Verstappen car was qualified fifth by Auer, though it was four-time F1 champion Verstappen who took the start.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b77a344dd9ed68e069c991ac8087195a80c23d2136da5fcd969f9ad91eae5f3e\">  WATCH LIVE: Max Verstappen tackles NLS5 as racing continues in wake of tragedy   Driver dies after multi-car crash suspends NLS4 at the Nurburgring <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He immediately moved up to fourth, before steadily working his way into the lead inside the opening hour ahead of his first pitstop.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen remained in the car for a second stint and established a lead of around 30 seconds, though would be forced into the pits just 38 minutes after his first stop.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 car was wheeled back into the garage, where work began on the front-end of the Mercedes.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-87185655611662844681d1ad49c6612cb578b258e274f3edd0db56b7aa10d9ed\">  NLS4 featuring Max Verstappen suspended after serious multi-car crash   George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Verstappen later noted suffering vibrations during his second stint, with the splitter on his car taking damage, though it remains unclear why.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 car was stationary for almost half an hour, ending all hopes of a second NLS win for Verstappen.<\/p>\n<p>The car was repaired, and Auer was able to get out for the final two hours of racing, though he could advance no higher than 21st in the top GT3 class and 39th overall.<\/p>\n<p>The No.16 Rowe Racing BMW driven by Max Hesse, Jordan Pepper and Kelvin van der Linde won the race.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen\u2019s car issues mark his second dose of misfortune at the NLS this season, after victory in NLS2 was stripped from the No.3 crew due to a tyre usage error.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Max Verstappen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> WATCH LIVE: Max Verstappen tackles NLS5 as racing continues in wake of tragedy<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/jpeg-bild.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-d91ed96aa967eff4927c1b86e36e6c5425ad2d3f0edbe2afd423e63f103ef271\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Duncan<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Head of Editorial<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<div>Lewis joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having been a journalist for five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network. In February of 2026, he became Head of Editorial.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-ebd1ae01f2e0e6191af01a8b07d824df88dfefaa6a043da1321ce2ebe6192d38\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rare Abu Dhabi 2021 defence made for \u2018scapegoat\u2019 Michael Masi<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776417837\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1126213_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen beat Hamilton to the 2021 world title in a controversial finish\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull announces technical shake-up amid poor F1 2026 form<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776415498\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403273_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Red Bull has had a tough start in F1 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen breaks silence on Gianpiero Lambiase\u2019s Red Bull exit<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776413779\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510260441.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase has engineered Verstappen throughout his Red Bull career\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nurburgring 24 Hours warning for Verstappen from F1 safety car driver<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776333821\"> 16\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1346072_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen follows the F1 Safety Car\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Six candidates who could replace Verstappen at Red Bull if he quit F1<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776264273\"> 15\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603290596.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen is considering his future in F1 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>What Red Bull should be \u201cworried about\u201d after Gianpiero Lambiase exit<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776247567\"> 15\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603290429.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase will leave Red Bull to join McLaren in 2028\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes at NLS ended by car damage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes at NLS5 were dashed after car damage forced a lengthy pitstop for the No.3 Mercedes.<\/p>\n<p>The four-time F1 world champion returned to the Nurburgring this weekend to take part in NLS4 and NLS5 as part of the Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifiers.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen was absent from NLS3 last weekend due to the Winward-run Team Verstappen No.3 car taking part in GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard.<\/p>\n<p>He returned to the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes alongside Lucas Auer for this weekend\u2019s NLS4 and NLS5 events.<\/p>\n<p>However, NLS4 was abandoned after a serious seven-car crash inside the opening hour claimed the life of experienced amateur racer Juha Miettinen.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>NLS5 went ahead as planned, though there was a minute\u2019s silence held on the grid prior to the start.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 Team Verstappen car was qualified fifth by Auer, though it was four-time F1 champion Verstappen who took the start.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b77a344dd9ed68e069c991ac8087195a80c23d2136da5fcd969f9ad91eae5f3e\">  WATCH LIVE: Max Verstappen tackles NLS5 as racing continues in wake of tragedy   Driver dies after multi-car crash suspends NLS4 at the Nurburgring <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He immediately moved up to fourth, before steadily working his way into the lead inside the opening hour ahead of his first pitstop.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen remained in the car for a second stint and established a lead of around 30 seconds, though would be forced into the pits just 38 minutes after his first stop.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 car was wheeled back into the garage, where work began on the front-end of the Mercedes.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-87185655611662844681d1ad49c6612cb578b258e274f3edd0db56b7aa10d9ed\">  NLS4 featuring Max Verstappen suspended after serious multi-car crash   George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Verstappen later noted suffering vibrations during his second stint, with the splitter on his car taking damage, though it remains unclear why.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 car was stationary for almost half an hour, ending all hopes of a second NLS win for Verstappen.<\/p>\n<p>The car was repaired, and Auer was able to get out for the final two hours of racing, though he could advance no higher than 21st in the top GT3 class and 39th overall.<\/p>\n<p>The No.16 Rowe Racing BMW driven by Max Hesse, Jordan Pepper and Kelvin van der Linde won the race.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen\u2019s car issues mark his second dose of misfortune at the NLS this season, after victory in NLS2 was stripped from the No.3 crew due to a tyre usage error.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes at NLS5 were dashed after car damage forced a lengthy pitstop for the No.3 Mercedes.<\/p>\n<p>The four-time F1 world champion returned to the Nurburgring this weekend to take part in NLS4 and NLS5 as part of the Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifiers.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen was absent from NLS3 last weekend due to the Winward-run Team Verstappen No.3 car taking part in GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard.<\/p>\n<p>He returned to the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes alongside Lucas Auer for this weekend\u2019s NLS4 and NLS5 events.<\/p>\n<p>However, NLS4 was abandoned after a serious seven-car crash inside the opening hour claimed the life of experienced amateur racer Juha Miettinen.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>NLS5 went ahead as planned, though there was a minute\u2019s silence held on the grid prior to the start.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 Team Verstappen car was qualified fifth by Auer, though it was four-time F1 champion Verstappen who took the start.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b77a344dd9ed68e069c991ac8087195a80c23d2136da5fcd969f9ad91eae5f3e\">  WATCH LIVE: Max Verstappen tackles NLS5 as racing continues in wake of tragedy   Driver dies after multi-car crash suspends NLS4 at the Nurburgring <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He immediately moved up to fourth, before steadily working his way into the lead inside the opening hour ahead of his first pitstop.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen remained in the car for a second stint and established a lead of around 30 seconds, though would be forced into the pits just 38 minutes after his first stop.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 car was wheeled back into the garage, where work began on the front-end of the Mercedes.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-87185655611662844681d1ad49c6612cb578b258e274f3edd0db56b7aa10d9ed\">  NLS4 featuring Max Verstappen suspended after serious multi-car crash   George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Verstappen later noted suffering vibrations during his second stint, with the splitter on his car taking damage, though it remains unclear why.<\/p>\n<p>The No.3 car was stationary for almost half an hour, ending all hopes of a second NLS win for Verstappen.<\/p>\n<p>The car was repaired, and Auer was able to get out for the final two hours of racing, though he could advance no higher than 21st in the top GT3 class and 39th overall.<\/p>\n<p>The No.16 Rowe Racing BMW driven by Max Hesse, Jordan Pepper and Kelvin van der Linde won the race.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen\u2019s car issues mark his second dose of misfortune at the NLS this season, after victory in NLS2 was stripped from the No.3 crew due to a tyre usage error.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093225\/1\/car-damage-denies-max-verstappen-nls5-victory-chance&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603250269_3.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Car damage denies Max Verstappen NLS5 victory chance Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes at NLS ended by car damage Lewis Duncan 19 Apr 2026 Share Verstappen is preparing to tackle the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours Add as a preferred source Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes at NLS5 were dashed after [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1891571","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1891571","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1891571"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1891571\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1891571"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1891571"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1891571"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}