Stewards handed Max Verstappen a reprimand and one Behaviour Warning Point after he caused a collision with Ezequiel Perez Companc during Free Practice 1 at Portimao’s GT World Challenge Europe finale.
Decision details
The panel, led by Luis Roby, Yves Bacquelaine, Wim Cools and Mario Manso, reviewed video evidence and held separate hearings with the drivers of Car #3 and Car #25. Article 27.4 of the GT World Challenge Europe Sporting Regulations and Article 12.2.1 j of the FIA International Sporting Code were cited.
Perez Companc argued he was focused on cars ahead, unable to spot Verstappen on his right side, and described the incident as an unfortunate racing event. Verstappen claimed an overtaking manoeuvre was planned under the assumption Perez would stay outside the corner and was surprised by a sudden inside move.
Outcome and mitigation
The stewards found Verstappen wholly at fault yet acknowledged mitigating circumstances: the collision occurred on the first lap of the session, and the traffic queue before Perez influenced his line. Consequently, Verstappen avoided a grid penalty but received the formal reprimand and warning point.
Race‑day implications
The grid will be set by qualifying on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. local time, with Verstappen’s status now fully known.
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