Max Verstappen’s #3 Mercedes has lost the lead at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, after an issue struck team-mate Dani Juncadella just two laps after taking the car back from the Dutchman.
Currently in the garage, the car is on jacks and is being investigated with the team, with the area of focus being the rear right-hand corner, potentially the suspension or a driveshaft problem.
Juncadella, still in the cockpit, was seen with his head in his hands, as the entry tumbles down the order.
Having held the advantage throughout the night, Verstappen has pushed the gap to over 30 seconds when he came in to end his double stint at the wheel with just under four hours on the clock.
Maro Engels, in the sister #80 car, assumed the lead, which stands at over five minutes to the now second-place #84 Lamborghini with 134 laps completed.
Winward Racing team boss Steve Buschmann has explained the root of the issue, but the plan is for the #3 to return to the race.
