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Max Verstappen struggles in GT World Challenge qualifying at Portimao
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 averaged 15th after setup problems and late track time left Verstappen more than five-tenths off pole, team officials said.
- Four-Time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen qualified 15th for his GT World Challenge Europe debut at Portimao on Friday, October 16, 2026, finishing well off the pole pace.
- Verstappen entered the GTWCE finale to fill a calendar clash with the FIA World Endurance Championship, sharing a Team Verstappen Mercedes-AMG GT3 with teammates Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham.
- Onboard footage revealed the Mercedes-AMG GT3 suffered from understeer, snap oversteer, and porpoising, while the splitter repeatedly struck the undulating track surface.
- Amid a 61-car field, the No. 2 Porsche secured pole position with an averaged lap of 1:42.071s, as grid positions were determined by averaging all three drivers' times.
- The three-hour race begins on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 17:00 local time, as Verstappen aims to gain experience in the GT3 category at the 'brilliant track.
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Max Verstappen is allowed to see a team-mate bugging his Mercedes in the Top-4 at the GT World Challenge. Report and results for the 2nd training in Portimao.
Max Verstappen takes on GT World Challenge in Portimao - Free Practice 2
Max Verstappen will be competing on behalf of his own racing team, Verstappen Racing, in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. Free practice 2 at the Portimão circuit begins at 12:45 p.m. UK time. Follow the action on the track via the livestream here!
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