Max Verstappen and Maro Engel delivered one of the most thrilling moments of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, with an intense overnight Mercedes battle that could ultimately decide the race victory.
Max Verstappen vs Maro Engel lights up the Nürburgring night
After his spectacular opening double stint, where he carved through the field from 10th place to the race lead, Max Verstappen continued to impress during his overnight run, this time in a direct battle with fellow Mercedes driver Maro Engel.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion launched his pursuit of the leading Mercedes and eventually made his move along the long Döttinger Höhe straight, the iconic flat-out section that defines the closing part of the Nordschleife.
It was a classic slipstream move, executed with precision, but the drama was far from over.
A heart-stopping moment during Engel’s counterattack
As Maro Engel attempted to fight back immediately, both drivers were suddenly forced into a breathtaking reaction when they encountered slower traffic in one of the fastest sections of the circuit.
The situation became dangerously tense, with Engel forced onto the grass to avoid what could have been a major accident while trying to launch his counterattack against Max Verstappen.
The incident added another unforgettable chapter to what has already been an extraordinary Nürburgring 24 Hours performance from the Dutch driver.
A Mercedes private battle for victory?
With just over seven hours remaining before the chequered flag, the battle for overall victory appears to have become a private Mercedes affair.
The #3 Mercedes held an advantage of approximately 15 seconds over the #80 car, while the third-placed crew trailed by nearly five minutes, leaving the fight for the win seemingly down to these two contenders alone.
Below are the key highlights from the dramatic overnight duel between Max Verstappen and Maro Engel:
Verstappen re-takes the lead!
He’s been all over Engel since the stops and finally drafts past at the end of Döttinger Höhe
📺 https://t.co/nRctemYlyf#IGTC | #24hNBR pic.twitter.com/UE1dVMPdxv
— Intercontinental GT Challenge (@IntercontGTC) May 17, 2026
Back comes Engel, but it almost ends in tears at the fastest part of the track! 🫣
📺 https://t.co/nRctemYlyf#IGTC | #24hNBR pic.twitter.com/khW3IxxOnv
— Intercontinental GT Challenge (@IntercontGTC) May 17, 2026
In conclusion, Max Verstappen’s breathless night battle with Maro Engel perfectly showcases the razor-thin margins of endurance racing at the Green Hell, proving that securing a victory under the cover of darkness requires managing intense internal team rivalries alongside the constant, unpredictable danger of multi-class traffic.
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