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Verstappen Faces Journalist Chaos at Nurburgring
14 May
Summary
- Photographers repeatedly took pictures during driver briefings.
- Race director intervened to request professional conduct from press.
- Verstappen's teammate noted the unpredictable nature of the race.
Max Verstappen's participation in the Nurburgring 24 Hour race weekend experienced pre-race drama, with reports of unprofessional conduct by some journalists. On Thursday, May 14, 2026, photographers were observed repeatedly taking pictures of the Dutch driver, even after the drivers' briefing had commenced. This persistent behavior led Race Director Walter Hornung to intervene, requesting that the photojournalists "behave" themselves.
According to journalist Vincent Bruins, the photographers were intrusive, preventing Verstappen from having a moment's peace. The situation escalated to the point where Hornung had to address the press directly during the briefing, highlighting the expected decorum for seated and quiet participants. This incident occurred prior to the qualifying practice sessions.
Separately, Verstappen's teammate Daniel Juncadella shared insights into their team's prospects for the 24-hour event. He described the Nurburgring as a track that "chooses its own winner," emphasizing the significant role of luck and unpredictability in endurance racing. Juncadella advised an "open-minded" approach for the team, acknowledging that the outcome can sometimes feel like a lottery.
