Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen says the car damage he suffered during NLS5 on Sunday was “strange”, after it denied him a shot at victory.

The Red Bull F1 driver returned to the Nurburgring to continue preparations for the upcoming 24 Hours last weekend, competing in NLS4 and NLS5 alongside Lucas Auer in a Mercedes AMG GT3.

The No.3 Team Verstappen car was running inside the top five when NLS4 was red-flagged due to a serious multi-car crash.

The race was ultimately suspended and abandoned after driver Juha Meittinen tragically died as a result of the crash.

Sunday’s NLS5 went ahead as planned, with Max Verstappen taking the lead inside the opening hour into his first pitstop.

However, he was forced to pit again shortly into his second stint when his Mercedes developed damage, which lost the No.3 crew almost half an hour due to repairs.

Auer served the final stints in the repaired car, but the race win was out of reach, with the No.3 finishing 39th overall.

Verstappen says the splitter came loose, but is baffled as to why as he says he never made contact with anyone.

“On the second lap of my second stint, I realised something was wrong,” he said.

“The splitter had broken off. That is strange, because I didn’t hit anyone, so I don’t know how that happened. We need to investigate and resolve that.”

This follows Verstappen’s disqualification from victory in NLS2 last month, after the No.3 car was found to have used too many sets of tyres.

Verstappen “as ready as possible” for 24 Hours debut

Despite his car issues, Verstappen believes he is “as ready as possible” for his Nurburgring 24 Hours debut next month.

However, he is yet to have any seat time in darkness, which was set to happen on Saturday in NLS4 before it was suspended.

“I did have fun today,” he added.

“The car felt good, I’m happy with that.

“I was able to drive my stints, even in traffic, which was quite intense. I had battles with other GT3 cars, so in that respect, it was good preparation for the 24-hour race.

“I am as ready as possible for it. The only thing is that I haven’t driven in the dark yet. I don’t think there is anything more you can do.”