Verstappen Mercedes-AMG Hits Driveshaft Issue from N24 Lead

Image: ADAC

The Nürburgring 24 race-leading Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG of Dani Juncadella was taken to the garage with mechanical troubles, handing the lead to its sister Winward-run entry with less than four hours to go.

Drama struck with 3 hours and 30 minutes of the race remaining when Juncadella had several slow laps after having built up a 30-second advantage over the No. 80 Ravenol-sponsored Mercedes-AMG of Maro Engel.

The issue, which was on the right-rear corner of the car, slowly deteriorated until Engel passed the Spaniard for the lead on track.

While initially having taken the car to the garage on high jacks, Juncadella then climbed from the car, with Head of Mercedes-AMG customer racing Stefan Wendl confirming that it was a driveshaft failure.

“We received an ABS warning, but Dani felt he could manage with it,” said Wendl. “However, noises and vibrations subsequently developed, forcing him to make an unscheduled pit stop after just two laps.

“We then discovered damage to the driveshaft, which had caused further collateral damage. We are now repairing it and definitely intend to rejoin the race.”

Engel, whose car was cleared of an earlier Code 60 infringement, now holds a significant lead.

The issues for the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG has handed second position to the No. 34 Walkenhorst Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo of Nicki Thiim, who was earlier forced to serve a 32-second penalty for passing under yellow.

The No. 99 ROWE Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO of Sheldon van der Linde was now in third.

This story was updated multiple times between 11:55 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. CEST with additional information

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John