Electric Cars

Unleashing Raw Talent: Verstappen's Instant Impact on the GT Track

Barnicoat's Initial Impression of Verstappen's Prowess

Ben Barnicoat, a factory driver for Lexus in IMSA, recently joined the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 squad for the GT World Challenge Europe season finale in Portimao. He was particularly struck by Max Verstappen's immediate speed during the initial test sessions, noting that the four-time Formula 1 world champion quickly found his rhythm despite a break from the GT3 car since the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. Barnicoat described Verstappen as grounded yet exceptionally gifted, making an instant impact on the team.

The Challenge of Matching Elite Performance

Barnicoat acknowledged the formidable talent of both Max Verstappen and fellow teammate Chris Lulham. He recognized that to compete effectively, he would need to significantly enhance his own driving performance. Verstappen's ability to swiftly adapt and maintain high speed sets a challenging benchmark for the team, pushing everyone to perform at their peak.

Optimizing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Endurance

During Free Practice 1, Verstappen engaged in an extensive 48-minute run to evaluate tire wear and stability, aiming to fine-tune the car's balance. Barnicoat noted that while the car demonstrated considerable speed, it wasn't the easiest to handle. The team's strategy included making adjustments to improve drivability, especially crucial for the upcoming three-hour main race, where comfort and consistency over longer stints are key.

Adapting to the Track Conditions and Vehicle Dynamics

A noticeable challenge for several Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars, including Verstappen Racing's, was a bump in the final right-hand corner of the circuit, causing significant bouncing. Barnicoat explained that the long practice run was essential for understanding how the car would behave in such conditions and under race-like scenarios. His 20th fastest lap time in FP1 wasn't a concern, as the focus was on gathering data under cooler, more representative nighttime conditions.

Seamless Transition to Mercedes-AMG

For Barnicoat, this event marked a return to Mercedes-AMG GT3 machinery, having last raced it in the Asian Le Mans Series in early 2025. Despite usually competing in a Lexus, he found the transition relatively smooth, requiring only minor adjustments. He expressed comfort with the team setup and praised his fast teammates for their contributions, indicating a positive and productive environment within the team.

Historic racing star Callum Grant has ascended once again to the pinnacle of the Autosport National Rankings as the racing calendar approaches its finale. His recent triumphs at Silverstone, driving his Merlyn Mk20A Formula Ford 1600, pushed his seasonal win total to 17, surpassing William Antrobus.

Grant’s stellar performance included winning one Classic FF1600 race outright and claiming a class victory in another, despite narrowly missing out on overall wins in two Historic FF1600 events. In contrast, William Antrobus, despite competing on an adjacent circuit at Silverstone, was unable to add to his 16-win tally. The Autosport National Rankings meticulously track overall car race victories in the UK and Ireland, with each win holding equal weight. The weekend saw significant shifts within the top 50 as championships began to wrap up, bringing new contenders into prominent positions. Aaron Cooke, transitioning from Legends to GT Cup, secured two class victories in his McLaren Artura GT4 at Snetterton, propelling him to third place. Bob Barron's three class wins in the Scottish Modsports series, using his Honda Civic, lifted him to sixth, while Jake McAleer's double victory in the Porsche Club series at Snetterton moved him to ninth. Richard Jepp's success at Silverstone International Circuit with his Peugeot 108 also saw him climb to 12th. Further momentum was observed at Brands Hatch, where Josh Rogers' hat-trick in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB elevated him to 16th, and Ryan McLeish entered the top 50 at 22nd after three wins in the Scottish Legends series. Ben Glasswell, with a double victory in the Historic FF2000 at Silverstone National, advanced to 24th.

This season showcases the unwavering dedication and exceptional skill prevalent in the world of national motorsport. Each race, whether a narrow victory or a decisive win, contributes to a larger narrative of passion, perseverance, and the constant pursuit of excellence. The achievements of these drivers inspire all who follow the sport, highlighting the thrilling and competitive spirit that defines motor racing.