Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen had mixed time in his 24-hour racing debut on Sunday, driving a Mercedes.
The Dutchman, sharing a Mercedes AMG GT3 car with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, had led in the race before a mechanical issue with his car ended hopes of victory.
In the morning, he was more than 30 seconds out in front, but issues arose when Juncadella took over duties from Verstappen at the Nurburgring in Germany.
He had to slow the pace with a damaged shaft, and then lost the lead, pitted, and the car was taken into the garage. Three hours later, it returned to the race, finishing in 38th.
‘Very unfortunate and frustrating ending, but these things can happen,’ Verstappen, who drives for Red Bull in Formula One, wrote on Instagram.
He added that he ‘still really enjoyed the experience’.
Max Verstappen had a mixed time of things in his 24-hour racing debut on Sunday
The four-time Formula One world champion had led by more than 30 seconds but there were issues with the car
The race came as Verstappen continues to question his future in Formula One over supposed reliance on electrical power.
He had branded the race a ‘bucket list’ experience and is targeting a return next year.
‘I think in general it´s just the competition, the endurance style racing where you share with team-mates,’ he said. ‘The 24-hour race here, the track is super challenging, so it´s a whole combo.
‘I will for sure try (to return for next year). It always depends a bit on my schedule, but let´s first enjoy now.’
Verstappen has had a tough year in Formula One. He is seventh in the standings with just 26 points amid Red Bull’s decline over the last year. He will return to action at the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend.
On a 15.8mile circuit, 159 cars took to the start and Verstappen made his way through the field, narrowly escaping a crash when two porsches collided in front of him.
Mercedes’ sister car, driven by Maro Engel, Luca Stolz, Fabian Schiller and Maxime Martin took victory.
