Max Verstappen to tackle Portimao from lowly grid position

Max Verstappen will start the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimao from 14th on the grid following a difficult qualifying session. Driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing car alongside Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham, the team recorded an average lap time of 1:42.624 amid bouncing and handling issues. Verstappen posted the entry's quickest lap at 1:42.093, though the combined average left them over half a second adrift of pole position.

The Boutsen VDS Porsche of Morris Schuring, Dorian Boccolacci, and Alessio Picariello secured pole position, while Arthur Leclerc placed fifth. Elsewhere on the grid, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi will start 59th after his WRT BMW failed to register a valid lap time in the second session. Verstappen and Barnicoat are substituting for regular drivers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon during the race weekend.