Max Verstappen’s return to GT in the break between Formula 1 grands prix was full of drama, with an eventual top 10 finish and attracted a large audience (both online and on track) to the Portimao GT World Challenge event.
A set-up error had left the Verstappen team’s Mercedes, run by 2 Seas Motorsport, clawing its way up to 15th on the grid in a shower of sparks during Friday evening’s qualifying session.
Verstappen’s teammates Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham made rapid progress completing the first two stints, with Barnicoat quickly moving into the top 10 and Lulham heading for the top five when he took over.
But Lulham then incurred a drivethrough penalty for helping Luca Stolz’s Mercedes spin as he attempted to take fifth place on a restart lap following a safety car.
Lulham received this penalty just before handing over to Verstappen, who therefore took over in 24th place just 45 minutes into the night race.
Another long safety car cost Verstappen a few laps of the race to catch up, but at least brought the field closer together.
There were 23 minutes remaining at the restart, with Verstappen in 19th place. He produced a spectacular charge forward which included a particularly entertaining battle with Charles Leclerc’s brother Arthur in an AF Corse Ferrari, and managed to at least maintain a place in the top 10 in ninth position.
That was enough to elicit a huge smile from Verstappen as he returned to the pits, and a huge cheer from the crowd in the main stand.
The GetSpeed Mercedes of Ralf Aron, Fabian Schiller and Maxi Gotz took victory.
Gn sports
