Max Verstappen hands over wheel after spectacular battle for lead

A spectacular first hour has taken place the Nordschleife for the NLS2, featuring a brilliant battle for Max Verstappen.

Verstappen flew out of the starting blocks from pole position, but Christopher Haase was immediately breathing down his neck in the #16 Audi. Haase managed to pass Verstappen at the end of the first lap, after which a spectacular battle ensued.

After a few laps, traffic began to play a role on the narrow German circuit. Both men were held up in places, with Verstappen even almost hitting Haase at a code 60 (see header photo). 

On the Nordschleife, that measure becomes active when an incident has occurred somewhere and drivers have to slow down. You are then allowed to at drive 60 kilometres per hour.

Verstappen made further attempts to pass Haase. Partly due to the German's clever driving, Verstappen did not succeed until the end of the sixth lap. At that moment, both drivers pitted.

Dani Juncadella took over from Verstappen, but rejoined the circuit behind the #16 Audi. Lead lost again, but there is still a lot to play for with three hours to go. The gap to third place is already more than half a minute.

Update: Juncadella has now regained the lead after overtaking the #16 Audi. 

View a photo of Verstappen's pit stop below!