Source: Official Team Post via X
Max Verstappen Faces Scrutiny After Portimao GT3 Incident
Max Verstappen finds himself under investigation after a collision during FP1 at Portimao's GT World Challenge season finale. The incident involves his #3 Mercedes and an Audi, with the stewards reviewing the matter ahead of FP2.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen is currently under the stewards' microscope following an incident during the first practice session at the GT World Challenge finale in Portimao. This weekend marks Verstappen's return to GT3 racing since the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May.
Verstappen, who has been dominating the F1 circuit with recent wins in Bahrain and Singapore, took to the track in the #3 Mercedes alongside teammates Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham. Their session, however, took a turn when Verstappen collided with the #25 Audi, leading to a spin and some gesturing from the Dutchman. The stewards are now investigating the incident, which occurred early in the session, before the second practice.
While Verstappen's usual teammates, Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, are busy at the World Endurance Championship in Barcelona, Verstappen continues to enjoy his time at Portimao. Despite the calendar shuffle, he expressed his enthusiasm for racing in Portugal, hoping for a strong performance this weekend.
Reflecting on his GT3 ventures, Verstappen nearly clinched victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours earlier this year, thwarted only by a late driveshaft issue. His team managed a comeback, securing their first GT World Challenge win at Magny-Cours in August. Looking ahead, Verstappen plans to participate in more non-F1 events in 2027, including a potential return to the Nürburgring and possibly the 24-hour race at Spa.
As for other racing rumors, despite some speculation, Verstappen is not expected at the Bathurst 12 Hour race next February. Meanwhile, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, on the brink of an F1 championship, has also been linked to Bathurst, though these reports appear to be inaccurate.