Source: Official Team Post via X
Verstappen's GT World Challenge Bid Falters After Penalty in Portimao
Max Verstappen's hopes for victory in the GT World Challenge Europe finale were dashed by a mid-race penalty. Despite a strong recovery drive, Verstappen couldn't climb higher than ninth place.
Team Verstappen's aspirations for a triumphant finish at the GT World Challenge Europe in Portimao came undone after a mid-race drive-through penalty. The penalty, incurred due to contact involving Chris Lulham and Luca Stolz, forced Max Verstappen into a recovery mission that fell short of victory.
Ben Barnicoat kickstarted the race for the #3 Team Verstappen Mercedes-AMG GT3, quickly advancing to 10th position. An early full course yellow allowed Barnicoat to gain positions, including a notable overtake on Nicki Thiim. Further clashes ahead, such as the contact between a BMW and a Ferrari, opened opportunities for Barnicoat to climb higher.
The race's initial stages saw Alessio Picariello lead in the #2 Porsche, closely followed by Thomas Preining and Maxi Gotz. As strategy unfolded, Barnicoat extended his stint before passing the baton to Chris Lulham, who immediately engaged in a heated battle on track.
Lulham, a former sim racer, made a bold move overtaking Thomas Drouet's Ford Mustang, securing sixth place. However, a subsequent incident with Luca Stolz's Mercedes at Turn 8 led to a spin, attracting the ire of race officials who issued a drive-through penalty.
With the penalty served, Verstappen took over with 45 minutes to go, rejoining the race in 24th. Demonstrating his racing prowess, Verstappen sliced through the field, advancing to 19th before a full course yellow temporarily halted progress. Once racing resumed, he continued his charge, eventually reaching ninth place after overtaking several competitors, including Arthur Leclerc.
Despite Verstappen's efforts, the gap to the car in eighth proved insurmountable, leaving him three-tenths of a second shy at the chequered flag. Fabian Schiller claimed victory in the #17 Mercedes-AMG GT3, with the #80 and #2 Porsches completing the podium.