Max Verstappen produced a spectacular comeback at Portimão, climbing from 24th to ninth during the final hour of the GT World Challenge Europe three-hour season finale. Despite delivering a series of impressive overtakes and battling Arthur Leclerc in the closing stages, the four-time Formula 1 world champion was unable to reach the podium after a costly drive-through penalty for team-mate Chris Lulham compromised the chances of Verstappen.com Racing.
There was no podium celebration or champagne for the Dutchman, but his performance nevertheless provided some of the most entertaining moments of the race. Taking over the Mercedes-AMG GT3 during the final hour, which was contested in darkness, Max Verstappen demonstrated his racing ability with daring moves around the outside and several intense wheel-to-wheel battles.
Max Verstappen puts on a show with Portimão GT3 comeback
The GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimão gave Max Verstappen another opportunity to demonstrate his skills beyond Formula 1. Although the eventual result fell short of expectations, his driving during the final stint was one of the highlights of the event.
Having taken over the car in 24th position, the Dutchman immediately began working his way through the field. His recovery featured several overtakes around the outside of corners, as well as clever changes of racing line that occasionally allowed him to pass two opponents in the same sequence.
One of the most interesting battles came towards the end of the race, when Max Verstappen fought against Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque was competing in a Ferrari 296 GT3 entered by AF Corse.
Max Verstappen eventually finished ahead of Arthur Leclerc, completing his charge to ninth place after gaining 15 positions during his stint.
Chris Lulham penalty ruins Verstappen.com Racing podium hopes
The race had initially been progressing positively for the number 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 crew, which started from 15th on the grid.
Ben Barnicoat began the recovery with a strong opening stint before Chris Lulham took over and continued moving the car towards the top five.
However, the team’s chances suffered a major setback during Chris Lulham’s stint. While battling for fifth position, the young British driver made contact with the number 48 Mercedes driven by Luca Stolz, sending his rival into a spin.
The aggressive manoeuvre resulted in a drive-through penalty, effectively ending the crew’s realistic hopes of challenging for the podium.
By the time Max Verstappen climbed into the car for the final stint, the number 3 Mercedes had dropped to 24th place, leaving the Dutchman with a considerable amount of ground to recover.
Verstappen battles Arthur Leclerc but misses Portimão podium
Despite the difficult circumstances, Max Verstappen delivered an outstanding final stint, repeatedly finding opportunities to overtake as the race entered its closing stages.
His ability to attack around the outside and switch racing lines during close battles helped him recover positions quickly. The duel with Arthur Leclerc added further interest for Formula 1 fans, bringing together the four-time world champion and the younger brother of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc in a direct GT3 contest.
Ultimately, Max Verstappen crossed the finish line in ninth position. Although he finished ahead of Arthur Leclerc, the result remained a long way from what the Verstappen.com Racing crew had hoped to achieve before the penalty.
GetSpeed Mercedes wins as Valentino Rossi retires
Victory in the Portimão finale went to another Mercedes-AMG GT3, the number 17 car entered by GetSpeed and driven by Ralf Aron, Maximilian Götz and Fabian Schiller.
Meanwhile, Valentino Rossi’s BMW retired from the race, bringing a disappointing end to his participation in the season finale.
For Max Verstappen, the result may have been only ninth place, but his remarkable recovery ensured that he remained one of the central figures of the closing hour. His performance demonstrated his ability to adapt to GT3 racing and deliver exciting overtakes, even when circumstances had already compromised his team’s chances of a podium finish.
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