Max Verstappen ended his first day of testing in Portimão on a positive note. The Dutchman had to adjust briefly behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG GT3, but says he is gradually finding his rhythm. His appearance in the GT World Challenge Europe also offers him something he has had little chance to experience in his career so far.
Verstappen is sharing the No. 3 Mercedes with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat this weekend. Due to a clash with the World Endurance Championship, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella will miss the Endurance Cup season finale. This opened the door for Verstappen to take the wheel himself and he was not about to pass up the opportunity.
"I always enjoy coming to Portugal. I've also spent time here with friends and family," Verstappen said after Thursday's running in Portugal. "When I saw there was a clash in the calendar, I thought: ‘Why not? I'll get in the car!’ It's a fantastic circuit and a great setting for fans and families. It's a really beautiful place."
Verstappen had to adjust to the Mercedes
On Thursday, the trio had two hours to work on their preparations. As GPblogreported from the paddock earlier on Thursday, the session went smoothly for Verstappen Racing. The team completed 43 laps and finished second thanks to Lulham's 1:43.076. Only the No. 17 GetSpeed Mercedes was faster. Verstappen himself set a personal best of 1:43.203.
For the Dutchman, the session was mainly about finding his rhythm and fine-tuning the car. His recent experience at the Nordschleife did not translate directly to the Portuguese circuit: "It went well," was his initial assessment. "Of course, I'm most used to the Nürburgring Nordschleife, so it took a little while to get used to driving this car on this circuit. But the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is very well balanced and has proven highly competitive in recent years."
Max Verstappen on the Portimão roller coaster - Photo: SRO/JEP
The conditions also played a part. With the outside temperature at around 26 degrees, Verstappen Racing completed its first laps in warm conditions. "We mainly worked on a few details this Thursday. It's quite warm for this time of year, and you have to take that into account too. Of course, you always want to go faster and do better. I'm finding my rhythm more and more: the more laps I do, the better it gets."
Racing together appeals to Verstappen
The weekend also gives Verstappen the chance to explore a different style of racing in more depth. In Formula 1, he has a car of his own, whereas in Portugal he is working towards a shared result alongside two teammates.
“The endurance aspect is what appeals to me most," he stresses. "Sharing a car with teammates is something I haven't really done in my career so far. Of course, I've had a little taste of it at the Nordschleife, and I really enjoyed it. Getting this opportunity in the GT World Challenge now is very exciting.”
Friday's packed schedule follows the test day, with two practice sessions and qualifying. All of these sessions will be broadcast live and can be followed via GPblog. The three-hour race starts on Saturday at 18:00 Dutch time. Verstappen and his teammates will compete in the Pro class, in a field of more than sixty cars and ten manufacturers.