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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, struggling with setup issues throughout the session.
  • Verstappen entered the GTWCE finale in Portugal 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 tomorrow at 17:00 local time, with Verstappen aiming to gain experience at a circuit he previously praised as a 'brilliant track' during his Formula 1 career.
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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.

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Motorcycle Sports broke the news on Friday, October 16, 2026.
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