Team Verstappen and polesitter clash at start of Nurburgring 24 Hours

Key Points:

• The 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours saw early drama as the front-row Red Bull-backed Team Abt Lamborghinis encountered trouble within the first hour, with the #130 car receiving a 32-second penalty for a jump start.
• Mirko Bortolotti in the #84 Lamborghini lost the lead shortly after the start and later suffered a left-rear tyre puncture following contact with Dani Juncadella’s Team Verstappen Mercedes, forcing an early pit stop.
• The #99 Rowe Racing BMW also faced issues after being spun on the opening lap during a three-wide battle, impacting one of the frontrunners early in the race.
• Kevin Estre in the #911 Porsche made a strong start, moving from eighth to second and engaging in a close fight for the lead with Maximilian Paul in the #7 Lamborghini, as Juncadella settled into third place.
• The early incidents and penalties have reshaped the race dynamics, with Team Verstappen and Porsche capitalizing on the setbacks faced by the Abt Lamborghinis.