Ben Barnicoat concedes matching Max Verstappen and Chris Lulham will be difficult at Portimao’s GT World Challenge Europe finale. He joins the #3 Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the season decider.

Despite no recent mileage in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 since the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen is immediately on the pace during Thursday testing. Barnicoat highlights his teammate’s speed and methodical approach.

The Briton also praises Lulham’s form this year, acknowledging the benchmark set within the garage. He frames the weekend as an opportunity to elevate his execution and consistency.

Verstappen conducts a 48-minute FP1 run on Friday morning, targeting tyre degradation and balance. Feedback is broadly positive, yet the car still requires refinement for stint stability.

Barnicoat describes the AMG as quick but demanding. Set-up work focuses on improving drivability without sacrificing outright pace, especially across evolving track conditions.

Portimao’s final right-hand sweeper proves tricky. The AMG entries, including #3, bounce over bumps, magnifying physical load and tyre slip. That compromises long-run consistency if not managed.

The headline in FP1 is modest at 20th, but conditions matter. Cooler temperatures align with night running, making that session more representative than pure lap times suggest.

Barnicoat returns to the AMG platform after the 2025 Asian Le Mans Series. He remains more Lexus-familiar, yet quickly integrates with the crew and adapts to the car’s traits.

The focus now shifts to Saturday’s three-hour race and night phase execution. The trio aims to convert long-run work into race pace at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve’s finale.

Team ambitions are realistic yet optimistic, backed by Verstappen’s rapid adaptation and Lulham’s season form. The group targets a clean run and strategic clarity across the Portimao endurance finale.

Practice trends and tyre data will inform stint length, traffic management, and restart priorities. Expect incremental set-up changes through the Portimao weekend as track grip evolves into the night.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.