Source: Official Team Post via X
Max Verstappen Receives Reprimand After Portimao GT3 Incident
Max Verstappen has been given a reprimand and a Behavioural Warning Point after a collision during GT3 practice in Portimao. The stewards found him solely responsible for the incident with an Audi.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen received a reprimand and a Behavioural Warning Point from GT World Challenge stewards after colliding with another car during the first practice session in Portimao. Despite the incident, Verstappen and teammates Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham were classified 20th in Friday morning's session.
The four-time F1 world champion was under scrutiny following a collision with the #25 Audi early in practice. As Verstappen attempted an inside pass at Turn 3, contact was made, causing the Audi to spin and face his car. Onboard footage captured Verstappen's gesture of frustration.
After reviewing the incident, the stewards determined that Verstappen was at fault. The official statement noted that the driver of the Audi was focused on the cars ahead and did not see Verstappen's car. Verstappen, on the other hand, expected the Audi to remain outside but was caught off guard when it turned in. The stewards regarded this as an avoidable collision.
They noted mitigating factors, such as the early stage of practice and the crowded track affecting the Audi's line, but still held Verstappen responsible. Consequently, they imposed the penalty.
This outing marks Verstappen's return to GT3 racing since the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, where a driveshaft issue dashed his team's chances of victory.