Verstappen eyes Spa 24 Hours after rocky GT World Challenge start

Max Verstappen says he’s working to secure an entry for the 2027 Spa 24 Hours, after a rocky start to his GT World Challenge Europe debut at Portimão. Ahead of the weekend, the four-time Formula 1 world champion noted there’s no overlap with the Belgian endurance race next year, and pointed to Spa’s closeness to the Dutch border and his family heritage. His first laps in the #3 Mercedes-AMG turned sour when, at Turn 3, he attempted an inside pass on Ezequiel Pérez Companc’s #25 Sainteloc Audi, leading to a spin. Stewards blamed Verstappen, issuing a reprimand and one Behaviour Warning Point, with no grid or time penalty. He later set a best lap of 1:43.046; FP1 classified the car 20th of 61. Qualifying is later today before Saturday’s 17:00 local, three-hour race.