The #80 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 team clinched victory at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours after their sister car, the #3 Winward driven by Max Verstappen, suffered a late driveshaft failure. Leading most of the race, the #3 car's misfortune allowed the #80 crew, consisting of Maro Engel, Luca Stolz, David Schumacher, and Russell Martin, to take the win comfortably by over a minute. This victory marks Mercedes' first in this race since 2016 and adds drama to an already thrilling competition. The event was further highlighted by the strong performance of several other top teams, all finishing within a close range. Despite the heartbreak for the Verstappen team, the #80 crew's resilience led them to a well-deserved triumph.

By the Numbers
  • Mercedes' first Nürburgring 24 Hours win since 2016.
  • The #80 car finished over a minute ahead of the nearest competitor.
State of Play
  • The #3 Winward Mercedes led most of the 24-hour race before retiring with a mechanical failure.
  • A total of 155 laps were completed by the top three teams, with the #80 leading in the final stages after the #3's retirement.
What's Next

Following this event, teams will analyze performance strategies and mechanical reliability in preparation for future endurance races. Expect increased support and development for the Mercedes teams as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.

Bottom Line

The Nürburgring 24 Hours showcased the unpredictability of endurance racing; while victory can be secured, it can equally be snatched away in mere moments, emphasizing the importance of both performance and reliability in motorsport.