A big disappointment for Team Verstappen: Penalty costs victory

Max Verstappen's GT3 team competes in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, with the series’ final rounds taking place this weekend at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia.

In Race 1, the #69 Emil Frey Racing car running under the Verstappen.com Racing banner crossed the finish line in first place with Thierry Vermeulen and Chris Lulham behind the steering wheel.

However, the team was under investigation for setting an improved sector time under yellow flags, leading to a drive through penalty.

Since the team made no further pit stops, the penalty was converted into a 26-second time penalty, relegating the #69 Ferrari 296 GT3 to fourth place overall, and second in the Gold Cup.

Today, the team qualified in ninth position at the Spanish track.

The four-time world champion will be able to compete at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring next year after he obtained a DMSB Permit Nordschleife last Saturday.

While it is conceivable that he will first compete with a GT3 car at the 'Green Hell' only then, it is likely that he will return sooner to drive at a shorter event.

Inside the paddock last weekend, there were rumours that this would take place on 27 September. Should that not happen, 11 October is an alternative option.

While his GT3 team is contesting Race 2 in Valencia, Max Verstappen will start from pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this afternoon.

In a chaotic session, the Dutchman managed to put a strong lap together and finished ahead of Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson.

With tricky conditions, it could be a difficult race for the drivers today in Azerbaijan.

Wind is set to be the biggest curveball this Sunday, after many competitors reported gusts during qualifying as well.

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