AFTER a rough start to the Formula One season, Max Verstappen’s frustrations continued as he was disqualified from a four-hour race at Germany’s Nurburgring.
The four-time world champion is preparing to race in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May.
Verstappen intends to compete in May’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring raceCredit: Avalon.red
Verstappen drove for Winward Racing in a Red Bull-liveried Mercedes carCredit: Avalon.red
Verstappen drove a Red Bull-liveried car, qualified in pole position and cruised to the chequered flag by a comfortable margin of nearly a minute.
But officials soon realised his Winward team had used seven sets of tyres for the race, one more than the six permitted which was grounds for disqualification.
Two hours after stepped on the podium with team-mates Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella, the win was handed to Dan Harper and Jordan Pepper from Rowe Racing.
A Mercedes statement on social media read: “The error occurred during qualifying, when multiple driver and tyre changes were practiced.
“The disappointment is all the greater as a behind-the-scenes mistake led to disqualification, which hurts.
“On the Nordschleife, everything must come together.
“Now, we focus on analysing, learning, and preparing for the upcoming races and the 24-hour highlight.”
The German circuit was removed from F1’s calendar in 1976 due to safety concerns.
Verstappen finished sixth in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix but an engine issue at the Chinese Grand Prix forced him to retire.
With eight points from two races, he already trails Championship leader by a whopping 43 points.
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The Dutch driver has a contract with until 2028, but has made no secret of the fact he would quit F1 as soon as he stopped enjoying it.
He has openly voiced his frustrations with the sport’s new regulations, where battery-powered overtakes and lifting and coasting on straights have limited “real racing”.
Verstappen teamed up with Jules Gounon and Daniel JuncadellaCredit: Avalon.red
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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