PORTIMÃO, Portugal – The starting grid for the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portimão has undergone a significant shake-up, providing a boost for Verstappen Racing ahead of today’s highly anticipated three-hour endurance race. Despite a challenging qualifying session that saw the team initially slotted into P15, a series of post-session penalties for competitors has elevated the team to P13.
The movement up the grid began following technical regulation infringements by the #65 Haupt Racing Team Ford Mustang GT3, which saw the squad’s times deleted. Verstappen Racing subsequently gained a further position due to a five-place grid penalty issued to the #51 AF Corse Ferrari. Driver Lorenzo Ferrari was handed the sanction following a collision in Monza, with the penalty being served at his next event participation.
While the grid adjustment provides a more favorable starting position, there has been a notable change in the team’s race strategy. Max Verstappen, who led the team’s charge with the fastest time among his teammates during Q3, will not be the one behind the wheel when the lights go out. Instead, teammate Ben Barnicoat has been confirmed as the starting driver for the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Verstappen, who is sharing duties with Barnicoat and Chris Lulham, will be required to watch the opening hour of the race from the pit wall. Under the regulations for this event, each driver must spend at least one hour in the cockpit throughout the three-hour contest. While Barnicoat is confirmed for the opening stint, it remains unclear whether Verstappen will take over driving duties for the second or third leg of the race.
The grid features an eclectic mix of motorsport stars and international talent. Seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi finds his Team WRT entry starting deep in the pack at P59, while former Haas Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin faces an uphill battle from P38 with Team Motopark.
For Verstappen Racing, the primary focus remains on navigating the set-up and drivability issues that hampered their performance during Saturday’s action. Though the team’s qualifying pace was initially disappointing, the improved starting position offers a critical advantage on a technical circuit like Portimão.
As the field prepares to tackle the Portuguese track, all eyes will be on the pit lane to see when the transition between drivers occurs. With the race approaching, the team is hopeful that the combination of Barnicoat’s opening stint and the improved starting position will allow them to contend for a strong result in the championship finale. Spectators and fans alike are eager to see how Verstappen handles the endurance format as he prepares for his turn behind the wheel.
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