Max Verstappen Faces Tough GTWC Qualifying in Portimao

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is currently competing in the GT World Challenge (GTWC) Europe in Portimao, where he secured the 15th starting position for the upcoming 3-hour race. As of October 17, 2026, the driver is navigating a challenging weekend alongside teammates Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.

What happened in qualifying?

The qualifying session proved difficult for the trio, who represent Verstappen Racing. The team's performance was notably slower than the competition, with Ben Barnicoat finishing 21st in the first qualifying segment, trailing the leader by 0.679 seconds. Chris Lulham subsequently placed 16th in his group during the second segment, ending 0.799 seconds behind the leader.

Why this is trending in Austria

Max Verstappen maintains a significant following among Austrian motorsport fans, largely due to his long-standing association with the Red Bull racing programme. While the GTWC event is a separate competition from the Formula 1 calendar, the performance of the Austrian-linked star consistently draws high search interest within the region.

What is confirmed and what is not

It is confirmed that the team struggled with the qualifying pace of their Mercedes-AMG GT3 vehicle compared to the lead Porsche entry. While Verstappen noted that he required time to adjust his references from the Nordschleife to the Portimao circuit, it remains unconfirmed if the team will implement significant technical adjustments to the car's setup before the race start. The specific causes behind the qualifying pace deficit are still being evaluated by the racing team.