Source: Official Team Post via X
Mercedes Triumphs in GT World Challenge Finale at Portimao, Verstappen Penalized
The GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portimao saw Mercedes clinch victory, while a penalty dashed Max Verstappen's podium chances. Ralf Aron, Maxi Götz, and Fabian Schiller took the win for Mercedes after an early tussle with Porsche competitors.
In the closing round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Portimao, Mercedes emerged victorious while Max Verstappen's efforts were thwarted by a mid-race penalty. The #17 Mercedes-AMG GT3, piloted by Ralf Aron, Maxi Götz, and Fabian Schiller, crossed the finish line first after a competitive battle with the Porsche teams.
The race began with a dynamic contest between the leading Mercedes and the #80 and #2 Porsche 911 GT3 R EVOs. Despite starting from a mid-pack position due to a setup error during qualifying, the Team Verstappen entry showed promise but ultimately slipped down the order after receiving a penalty.
Here's how the top ten unfolded over the three-hour race:
1. The #17 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, with drivers Ralf Aron, Maxi Götz, and Fabian Schiller, completed 94 laps to secure the win. 2. The #80 Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO, driven by Ricardo Feller, Thomas Preining, and Bastian Buus, finished just over five seconds behind, securing second place. 3. The #2 Porsche, with Morris Schuring, Dorian Boccolacci, and Alessio Picariello behind the wheel, took the third spot. 4. The Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO, driven by Frederik Schandorff, Mikkel Ebdrup, and Sean Birch, finished fourth. 5. Fifth place went to the #30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO team of Amaury Cordeel, Maxime Lismont, and Juan Montenegro. 6. The #59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO, driven by Jenson Loake, Daniel Macdonald, and Jack Hawksworth, claimed the sixth position. 7. The #998 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, with Ulysse De Wilde, Tim Tramnitz, and Jens Klingmann, followed in seventh. 8. The #6 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO team of Andrew Bartone, Aurelien Panis, and Charles Gazeau finished eighth. 9. The #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, featuring Ben Barnicoat, Callum Lulham, and Max Verstappen, ended up in ninth place after the penalty. 10. Rounding out the top ten was the #50 Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO, driven by Albert Costa, Arthur Leclerc, and Lilou Wadoux.
The race saw a variety of manufacturers in contention, with close battles throughout the field. While the Mercedes team celebrated their victory, Verstappen and his co-drivers were left to ponder what might have been, as their pace was hampered by the penalty. Despite the setback, the Dutchman and his team showcased their competitiveness in the series.
The full results from Portimao offer a snapshot of the thrilling conclusion to this season's GT World Challenge Europe, highlighting the depth of talent and the fierce competition on display.