ABT Sportsline’s runner-up finish at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours remains under threat after post-race checks reportedly raised questions over the legality of its Lamborghini.
As reported by Motorsport-Total, the #84 ABT Lamborghini could face disqualification after allegedly exceeding the permitted power output by around 20 horsepower. The car, driven by Luca Engstler, Mirko Bortolotti and Patric Niederhauser, finished second on the road before the potential technical breach emerged after the race.
If the stewards confirm the infringement, ABT would lose its podium finish at the Nordschleife endurance classic.
Power irregularity puts result in doubt
Post-race technical checks reportedly found that the #84 Lamborghini produced more power than allowed under the Balance of Performance regulations.
The alleged irregularity could lead to exclusion from the final classification. A final decision from the officials remains pending, leaving ABT’s result uncertain days after the chequered flag.
The possible disqualification would come as a major setback for ABT, which had fought back from early trouble after the first lap of the 2026 Nürburgrung 24 Hours, to finish second overall.
ABT recovered after early trouble
The #84 Lamborghini started the race from pole position, but its challenge became complicated almost immediately.
Bortolotti dropped behind the sister #130 Lamborghini at the start before contact with the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing entry caused damage. The issue forced ABT into an early pit stop, where the team changed a damaged rear tyre.
That early setback dropped the #84 car down the order, leaving ABT with a long recovery drive through the field. The team still managed to fight back into podium contention as conditions changed throughout the race.
Podium result remains provisional
Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol claimed victory with the #80 car, while the #84 ABT Lamborghini crossed the line in second. The #34 Walkenhorst Aston Martin finished third after a close fight for the podium positions.
However, ABT’s result now depends on the outcome of the post-race investigation. If officials disqualify the #84 Lamborghini, Walkenhorst would likely move up to second place.
That would also change the final podium days after the chequered flag, taking away what initially looked like a landmark result for ABT and Lamborghini at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Final decision still pending
For now, ABT’s second place at the 2026 24 Hours of the Nürburgring remains uncertain. The team celebrated a hard-fought recovery drive after the race, but the focus has now shifted to the reported power irregularity.
Until the stewards issue their final decision, ABT’s Nürburgring podium result remains under review.
