MAX VERSTAPPEN UNDER INVESTIGATION!
MAX VERSTAPPEN UNDER INVESTIGATION! Red Bull Star Faces Stewards’ Verdict After GT3 Clash in Portugal
Max Verstappen’s GT World Challenge Europe weekend got off to a dramatic start on Friday after the four-time Formula 1 world champion was involved in an early collision during practice at Portimão.
The Dutchman made contact with the No. 25 Audi while driving the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for Verstappen Racing, sending his rival into a spin. Race officials began investigating the incident, adding an unexpected twist to Verstappen’s preparations for the weekend’s endurance race.
The incident occurred at Turn 3 during the opening stages of Free Practice 1 on 16 October 2026. Although the Audi spun, it was able to continue, while Verstappen also carried on with his session.
According to reports from RacingNews365, the stewards were examining the incident, with no confirmed penalty reported at the time of publication.
Early Drama for Verstappen in Portugal
Verstappen wasted little time getting involved in the action as he returned to GT3 competition at the Algarve International Circuit.
The Red Bull driver attempted to pass the No. 25 Audi of Ezequiel Pérez Companc on the inside at Turn 3. However, the available space proved insufficient, and contact resulted in the Audi spinning.
With a large field competing on the Portuguese circuit, traffic management was always likely to be an important factor during the session.
The incident immediately attracted the attention of race control, leaving Verstappen potentially facing further scrutiny over the manoeuvre.
Despite the early drama, the Dutchman was able to continue driving and focus on helping his team prepare for the remainder of the weekend.
Verstappen Completes Valuable Practice Running
The incident did not prevent Verstappen from completing a substantial amount of running.
He completed a lengthy stint in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, recording a best lap of 1:43.046 during the 90-minute session.
Verstappen subsequently handed the car over to his teammates, British drivers Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat, as the team continued working on its preparations.
The crew was focused on understanding the car’s performance and gathering data ahead of Saturday’s three-hour endurance race.
The team’s practice performance suggested there was still work to do before qualifying, although practice times alone were not enough to determine its prospects for the race.
With multiple drivers sharing the same car, finding a setup that works for everyone will be an important part of the team’s preparations.
Why Is Verstappen Racing at Portimão?
Although Verstappen is best known for his Formula 1 achievements with Red Bull Racing, the Dutchman has also shown a growing interest in GT racing.
At Portimão, he is competing with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.
He is sharing the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Lulham and Barnicoat. Verstappen joined the entry as a replacement for regular drivers Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, who were unavailable because of their World Endurance Championship commitments.
The event provides Verstappen with another opportunity to compete in endurance racing while continuing his Formula 1 career.
Unlike a conventional Grand Prix, the endurance format requires drivers to share a car, manage tyre wear and fuel consumption, and work together throughout a longer race.
The team must also prepare for changing track conditions as the event progresses into the evening. ()
What Happens Next?
Verstappen’s immediate priority will be to help his team improve its performance before qualifying and Saturday’s main event.
The stewards’ review of the practice incident is another development to watch. However, without an official decision, it would be premature to claim that the Dutchman has received a penalty.
The team will also need to assess its pace against the competition after the opening practice session.
Verstappen’s experience and feedback could prove valuable as the squad works to improve the Mercedes-AMG’s setup for the three-hour race.
The next sessions will provide a clearer indication of whether the team can challenge near the front of the field.
Saturday’s Race Awaits
The GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup event at Portimão continues on Saturday, 17 October, with the three-hour race scheduled to begin at 17:00 local time.
For Verstappen, the goal will be to turn the lessons from practice into a competitive performance alongside his teammates.
The early contact has certainly added drama to the weekend, but the most important results will come in qualifying and the race itself.
One thing is clear: all eyes will be on Verstappen as his GT3 campaign in Portugal continues.
This article is based on reports available on 16 October 2026. The status of the stewards’ investigation should be checked for updates before publication.
