Verstappen’s GTWC debut interrupted by practice collision

Max Verstappen’s GT World Challenge Europe debut at Portimão was interrupted by contact with an Audi during opening practice on Friday, October 16, sending the other car into a spin and prompting a stewards’ investigation. The No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 driven by Verstappen made contact with the No. 25 Audi of Ezequiel Pérez Companc during an attempted pass, according to footage from the session. The Audi spun and came to face Verstappen’s car. The stewards were investigating the incident ahead of the second practice session, but no decision was reported. The available reports establish that the cars made contact and the Audi spun, but do not establish who was responsible. Verstappen was seen raising a hand after the incident. The investigation’s outcome was not available in the reports. The Portimão event is Verstappen’s first GT World Challenge Europe race. He is sharing the Mercedes with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat, while regular team drivers Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon are absent because of a calendar clash with the World Endurance Championship round in Barcelona. Verstappen’s GT3 experience has largely come at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Ahead of the weekend, he...