Helmut Marko Blocks Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 Nürburgring Record Attempt Amid GT3 Disqualification Drama

Helmut Marko reveals why he stopped Max Verstappen's F1 Nürburgring record hunt. Plus, details on Verstappen's recent GT3 disqualification at the NLS.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 22, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

The Veto of a High-Stakes Record Hunt

Max Verstappen’s long-standing ambition to pilot a Red Bull Formula 1 car around the "Green Hell" was prematurely halted by Helmut Marko, the team's former senior advisor. Marko disclosed that the triple World Champion had been "raving" about the Nürburgring Nordschleife for years, specifically proposing a demonstration run in F1 machinery. However, Marko admitted that his "alarm bells" went off immediately, as he suspected Verstappen’s true intention was not a simple exhibition. The veteran advisor believed Verstappen was motivated by Timo Bernhard’s record-breaking lap in a Porsche 919 Evo and intended to surpass it, a feat Marko deemed far too hazardous to sanction.

Ecstasy and Agony at the NLS Season Opener

Verstappen’s actual racing return to the legendary circuit this weekend was a rollercoaster of competitive highs and administrative lows. Competing in the first race of the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) season, Verstappen shared a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with teammates Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon. The trio appeared to have secured a dominant victory, crossing the finish line with a margin of over one minute. Verstappen was credited with a pivotal performance, pumping in crucial opening and closing stints that seemingly cemented his status as a top-tier GT3 competitor alongside his F1 duties.

Disqualification Over tire Regulation Breach

The celebrations were cut short when race officials announced that the Verstappen Racing entry had been disqualified from the event. The technical infringement centered on a strict NLS regulation limiting teams to six sets of tires for the duration of the race. Due to a clerical error traced back to the qualifying sessions, Verstappen’s team utilized seven sets, a violation that left stewards with no choice but to strip the team of their win. The team expressed that the decision "hurt," issuing an official apology for the oversight that negated their on-track performance.