Max Verstappen’s Portimao teammates: who are Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat?
This weekend, Max Verstappen is diving into his GT3 side venture. Although he isn't a constant presence in the Verstappen Racing squad, he'll step in this weekend as a seasoned reserve driver. He'll be behind the wheel of the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, sharing the track with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. But who are these two skilled individuals? And should the 61-car lineup be on alert?
Chris Lulham: A Recognizable Presence
If you keep an eye on Verstappen's racing endeavors beyond Formula 1, Lulham is likely a name you know well. He has frequently competed in Verstappen Racing vehicles since 2026. Originating from the sim racing scene, he transitioned to real-world GT racing with backing from the four-time champion. Lulham and the Red Bull driver have a solid rapport and a rich history, giving him an edge over the other newcomer: he’s already familiar with the team dynamics.
Verstappen Racing
Ben Barnicoat and His Impressive Resume
Barnicoat boasts an impressive racing background. Hailing from Chesterfield, the Englishman is a factory driver for Lexus. He pilots the #14 Lexus RC F GT3 for Vasser Sullivan in the IMSA series.
After four years with McLaren's factory driver program, he joined Lexus in 2022 and quickly found his stride. He kicked off 2022 by clinching the Asian Le Mans Series GT title in a McLaren, followed by a victory at Petit Le Mans in his debut season with Lexus. He then secured the 2023 IMSA GTD Pro title alongside Jack Hawksworth, followed by a Sebring GTD Pro win in 2024.
Barnicoat also has solid GT credentials. He achieved two pole positions in the GT World Challenge Europe back in 2021, creating a buzz around his performance this weekend.
#14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3: Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoat
What to Anticipate This Weekend
The qualifying session on Friday is set to commence at 5:55 PM local time. Each of the three drivers will complete a lap in their individual sessions, and the starting grid will be determined by the average of their times.
The race is scheduled to begin on Saturday, 17 October, at 5 PM local time.
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