Max Verstappen faces a challenging task in the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimao, having to fight from 14th on the grid after a turbulent qualifying session for the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing entry. The reigning Formula 1 world champion struggled to extract peak performance from the machine throughout an exacting opening day at the Algarve circuit.
Grid positions for the endurance finale are determined by averaging the quickest lap times of three drivers across a three-part qualifying format. Ben Barnicoat handled the Q1 duties, Chris Lulham took over for Q2, and Verstappen anchored the final stint in Q3. Throughout the sessions, the team battled persistent bouncing and handling issues that compromised overall grip. Verstappen managed a lap of 1:42.093—the car's fastest effort by over half a second—but the combined average of 1:42.624 left them 14th overall, 0.553 seconds adrift of the pole-sitting time.
The result marked a distinct downturn after Lulham had previously placed the car fourth during the second practice session. Verstappen's introduction to GT machinery also included a stewards' reprimand for triggering a minor collision during the opening lap of first practice. Despite the hurdles, the high-profile lineup remains determined to make up ground during the upcoming three-hour race.
At the sharp end of the grid, the #2 Boutsen VDS Porsche driven by Morris Schuring, Dorian Boccolacci, and Alessio Picariello claimed pole position, beating out the #17 GetSpeed Mercedes and the #80 Lionspeed GP Porsche. Meanwhile, motorcycle icon Valentino Rossi shares a race weekend with Verstappen for the first time but faces an even steeper climb from 59th after failing to post a valid time during Q2 in his #46 WRT BMW.
Verstappen and Barnicoat are stepping in this weekend as stand-ins for regular drivers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, who are currently competing in the World Endurance Championship in Barcelona. With 45 cars ahead of him, Verstappen's racecraft will be pushed to the absolute limit when the lights go out.
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