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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.
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.