Verstappen Racing finishes fifth in top qualifying for 24h Qualifiers

Published on 19 April 2026 by Florence Cobben

Lucas Auer has come fifth in the top qualifying for the 24h Qualifiers on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Driving the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Verstappen Racing, he crossed the line three seconds off the fastest lap. Later today, Max Verstappen will be behind the wheel to chase down the four cars ahead, as part of his preparations for the 24-hour Nürburgring race in May.

During the top qualifying, every GT3-car is given two attempts to set the fastest time and secure pole position, ahead of the race at 1:00 p.m. Lucas Auer represents Verstappen Racing in the session, while Max looks on from the pitlane.

After his opening stint, Auer secures the fifteenth-fastest time. His lap was compromised by a yellow flag following a crash, slowing down his progress in the third sector. His second lap time is much quicker. By the end of the session, Auer secured the fifth fastest time, with a three second gap to the fastest car.

At the front of the field, Thierry Vermeulen in the #45 car secured pole position, just one thousandth of a second faster than David Jahn in the #23.

The race will take place from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Viaplay will be broadcasting both races live, but Verstappen Sim Racing will be broadcasting Max’s performance, featuring live onboard footage and a giveaway where 1:2 scale 2017 model helmets signed by Max will be awarded: https://www.twitch.tv/teamredline/

Click here for the results of top qualifying for the race on Sunday 19 April, 24h Qualifiers.