The Max effect: Verstappen Racing scores first Pro-Class GT win

©GTWorldChallenge

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©GTWorldChallenge

Victory at last! After enduring a frustrating season plagued by mechanical failures and unavoidable incidents, Verstappen Racing finally broke through to secure its maiden Pro-class win in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup last weekend at Magny-Cours.

Starting from pole position in the opening race, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella delivered a masterclass behind the wheel of the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, flawlessly converting their qualifying pace into a triumphant finish.

While Juncadella drove the car across the line, Gounon was quick to point out the real architect of their success: four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen.

Far from being a passive team owner, Verstappen’s hands-on commitment behind the scenes proved to be the winning edge, as Gounon highlighted.

"Well, we have one guy to thank, and that's Max, because he gave us so many opportunities during the winter to test. Many days with good tyres,” said the Frenchman.

Verstappen’s vision of building a world-class professional infrastructure has paid off in full, backed by a relentless crew.

"And we have a great set of engineers, with the four of them, behind the scenes, working day and night towards this project," Gounon added.

"The goal for Max was to try to be one of the best GT teams in the world, and today, I think, we are doing well."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.