P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen’s victory hopes at NLS ended by car damage
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen’s victory hopes at NLS5 were dashed due to car damage that forced a lengthy pitstop for the No.3 Mercedes. He returned to the Nurburgring for NLS4 and NLS5 after missing NLS3 to participate in GT World Challenge Europe. Despite leading early on in NLS5, Verstappen had to pit again due to complicating front-end issues that ended his chances of winning. The No.3 car, qualified fifth by Lucas Auer, suffered from vibrations and splitter damage during Max’s stint, leading to a disappointing finish in 39th place overall. The race was ultimately won by the No.16 Rowe Racing BMW driven by Max Hesse, Jordan Pepper and Kelvin van der Linde, as Verstappen faced his second setback at NLS this season.
