Max Verstappen celebrates first title triumph as team boss

Max Verstappen has tasted success as a team owner for the first time, with his Verstappen.com Racing team clinching the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup championship in Valencia.

Drivers Thierry Vermeulen and Chris Lulham secured the Gold Cup title dominantly, marking a significant milestone for the four-time F1 champion as team boss.

"We had only one goal when we entered the circuit. We managed to do that well all day. We had a trouble-free race, but also a bit of a boring race," said Vermeulen after the victory.

Lulham's perfect getaway proved decisive in laying the foundation for championship glory. "Chris had a flawless start, which helped tremendously, and we secured victory in the Gold class and the championship," Vermeulen confirmed.

The season proved challenging for the Verstappen-backed outfit. "It was a tough year with definitely some great highlights. Many thanks to the whole team from Emil Frey Racing and Verstappen.com Racing for their support," reflected Vermeulen.

Lulham was equally delighted: "I could not have predicted at the beginning of the year that we would win the championship. I am super happy!"

The victory added to Verstappen's stunning weekend in Azerbaijan, where he secured his sixth grand chelem - pole, fastest lap, and leading every lap en route to the win at the Baku Street Circuit.