Verstappen Debuts at Portimão in GT World Challenge Europe

Max Verstappen stepped into the seat of a Mercedes‑AMG GT3 for Team Verstappen Racing during the GT World Challenge Europe final in Portimão, a move prompted by a clash between the series and the FIA World Endurance Championship in Barcelona. The Dutchman, who has spent most of his career in Formula One, joined teammates Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham after the usual lineup of Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella was pulled for the endurance event. In a private test at the start of the weekend, Verstappen focused on gathering data and getting accustomed to the track, noting that the car’s balance felt familiar to him from his Nordschleife experience.

In qualifying, the Team Verstappen entry started 15th overall. Verstappen’s best lap was 1m42.093s, but his average across the three qualifying segments was 1m42.624s, keeping the car out of the front‑row positions. The front row was set by Boutsen VDS with a 1m42.071s lap, followed by the #17 GetSpeed Mercedes just 0.108s slower. The gap between the second and third places was 0.179s, showing how tight the competition was.

Verstappen said he was excited to experience the endurance format and to share the car with seasoned teammates, a new challenge for him. He also hinted at future participation in the 24 Hours of Spa, hoping to be better prepared for the event. The team, run by 2Seas Motorsport and backed by Red Bull’s racing arm, aims to improve its standing in the overall GT World Challenge Europe standings.