Verstappen defends teammate facing online abuse after GT3 race incident
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 10:34 AM
Last updated Oct 18, 2026
Max Verstappen publicly addressed the online harassment directed at teammate Chris Lulham after a penalty at the GT World Challenge Europe race in Portimao. Following a collision during a Safety Car restart that led to a drive-through penalty, Lulham's performance drew criticism. Verstappen emphasized that personal attacks are unacceptable, stating that mistakes are part of racing. He expressed disappointment over the hate Lulham received, reaffirming that such abuse has no place in motorsport. The team, which started 13th, managed to recover to ninth after Verstappen's stint.
- •Verstappen raced in GT3 at Portimao alongside Lulham.
- •Lulham received a penalty after a collision during the race.
- •Despite the penalty, the team finished ninth.
- •Verstappen condemned personal attacks on Lulham post-race.
- •He emphasized that mistakes are part of racing.
- 10:34 AMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen stars with 15-place charge in 45 minutes: 'I learned a lot and had fun'
- 10:11 AMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen issues statement after GT team-mate receives abuse
- 9:42 AMYahoo Sports — Verstappen Calls Out Fans for Abuse and Harassment of GT Teammate on Social Media
- 9:15 AMYahoo Sports — Verstappen issues powerful statement after GT3 teammate targeted by online hate
"Max Verstappen's first GT World Challenge Europe start ended with a ninth-place finish and a fifth in the Pro Cup class. But he also was forced to make a necessary public defence of his team-mate Chris Lulham. The four-time F1 champion squeezed the Portimao Endurance Cup finale between two F1 triple-headers. And while there was plenty of drama during the race, there was unwanted drama following ...Keep reading
"Max Verstappen's first outing in GT World Challenge Europe ended with ninth place in a comeback drive at Portimao on Saturday evening. The #3 Mercedes prepared by 2 Seas and carrying Verstappen Racing branding, which the Dutchman shared with Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham, was a factor throughout all three hours of the race. Barnicoat took the start, doing superbly to avoid the chaos at the ...Keep reading
"Max Verstappen has spoken out against the online abuse directed at Chris Lulham following the GT World Challenge Europe race at Portimao, where a penalty involving his teammate damaged the team's hopes of victory. The four-time Formula 1 world champion defended Lulham, insisting that mistakes are part of racing and that personal attacks have no place in motorsport.
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comOct 18, 2026, 10:34 AMMax Verstappen stars with 15-place charge in 45 minutes: 'I learned a lot and had fun'
Max Verstappen's first outing in GT World Challenge Europe ended with ninth place in a comeback drive at Portimao on Saturday evening. The #3 Mercedes prepared by 2 Seas and carrying Verstappen Racing branding, which the Dutchman shared with Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham, was a factor throughout all three hours of the race. Barnicoat took the start, doing superbly to avoid the chaos at the ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comOct 18, 2026, 10:11 AMMax Verstappen issues statement after GT team-mate receives abuse
Max Verstappen's first GT World Challenge Europe start ended with a ninth-place finish and a fifth in the Pro Cup class. But he also was forced to make a necessary public defence of his team-mate Chris Lulham. The four-time F1 champion squeezed the Portimao Endurance Cup finale between two F1 triple-headers. And while there was plenty of drama during the race, there was unwanted drama following ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsOct 18, 2026, 9:42 AMVerstappen Calls Out Fans for Abuse and Harassment of GT Teammate on Social Media
Max Verstappen reflects on his GT World Challenge Europe outing in Portimao, as he speaks up for teammate Chris Lulham. In the middle of the two F1 triple-headers, Red Bull driver Verstappen opted to compete in the 2026 GT World…
- Yahoo SportsOct 18, 2026, 9:15 AMVerstappen issues powerful statement after GT3 teammate targeted by online hate
Max Verstappen has spoken out against the online abuse directed at Chris Lulham following the GT World Challenge Europe race at Portimao, where a penalty involving his teammate damaged the team's hopes of victory. The four-time Formula 1 world champion defended Lulham, insisting that mistakes are part of racing and that personal attacks have no place in motorsport.
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