Shanna is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog, specializing in both F1 and endurance and GT racing. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and experience at international circuits, she provides in-depth, reliable coverage and insights based on her presence at Grands Prix and racing events worldwide.
Max Verstappen continues his GT3 weekend in Portimão on Friday with the first free practice session. Following a promising test day, Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing will have another hour and a half to fine-tune its preparations. The session starts at 09:45 CEST and can be watched for free via the official livestream.
Verstappen is sharing the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat this weekend. The trio is preparing for the three-hour season finale of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, which takes place on Saturday. But first, Friday brings a full day of action: both free practice sessions and qualifying are on the schedule.
Verstappen Racing gets off to a strong start in testing
GPblog followed the opening running in Portimão on Thursday. During the paid test session, running was temporarily neutralised with a Full Course Yellow in the first half-hour. This was prompted by Aliaksandr Malykhin spinning in the Pure Rxcing Porsche. For Verstappen Racing, the session was primarily an opportunity to work on the setup and assess how the Mercedes behaved over longer runs.
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The team ultimately ended the test in second place. Lulham set the team’s fastest lap, a 1:43.076, around a tenth of a second off the No. 17 GetSpeed Mercedes. The No. 3 car completed 43 laps without any issues. Barnicoat drove the opening stint before handing over to Lulham, with Verstappen taking the wheel for the final part of the two-hour session.
The first outing therefore provided a useful foundation. As noted on Thursday, the undulating circuit demands more than just engine power. Its elevation changes, blind corners and long, sweeping turns put the balance and tyres to the test. Finding a setup that all three drivers feel confident with is therefore important for the race. The practice sessions provide an opportunity to refine it further.
GT World Challenge Europe schedule in Portimão
The first free practice session runs until 11:15 CEST. The second session and qualifying follow later on Friday. The schedule is listed below, including the test session that has already taken place. All times are Dutch time; Portugal is one hour behind.
| Day | Session | Dutch time |
| Friday, 16 October | Free Practice 1 | 09:45 - 11:15 |
| Friday, 16 October | Free Practice 2 | 13:45 - 15:15 |
| Friday, 16 October | Qualifying | 18:55 - 20:05 |
| Saturday, 17 October | Race | 18:00 - 21:00 |
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On board with Verstappen
The first free practice session is available to watch for free via the official GT World broadcast. Watch the action via the GT World Challenge Europe livestream and follow Verstappen and his teammates as they prepare for the season finale in Portugal. You can also follow the Verstappen Racing trio on board. Watch the livestream here.
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