Christopher Haase has labelled Max Verstappen as “very respectful” following their duel for the lead of the second qualifying race at the Nurburgring 24 Hours.

Haase in the #16 Audi R8 LMS GT3 and Verstappen in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 were engaged in a fierce battle for the lead in the opening stint of the race.

It lasted only an hour until Haase pitted and stepped out of the car, whilst Verstappen’s race lasted another 30 minutes beyond that, owing to a splitter failure which all but ended his and Lucas Auer’s challenge

In the end, Haase’s teammates, Ben Green and Alexander Sims, managed to secure victory, with Verstappen and Auer P39. 

“It was just grandiose again, our duel out there. Today it was a bit trickier, I must say. I didn’t feel completely comfortable because of my rear axle,” reflected Haase.

“Last time that felt a little better. We still have to work on that a little bit. But he (Verstappen) was great again and drove very respectfully. Really handsome. Yes, I think it was another good show.”

“Max just positioned himself perfectly each time. It always depends on which side you are on and how it works out in the end. And unfortunately, I was never in a position to take that little bit of momentum.”