Henry signs off with Portimao podium
Henry brought the curtain down on his maiden season of GT competition with another impressive performance in the final rounds of the GT4 European Championship at Portimão.
The Portuguese meeting marked the second outing for the talented teenager as part of the Elite Motorsport squad, with the Briton having joined forces with the McLaren team ahead of the previous meeting at Zandvoort.
Once again teamed with Yani Stevenheydens at the wheel of the #77 Artura GT4, the weekend started in positive fashion with the pair inside the top eight in both free practice sessions, and that would be the precursor to two strong qualifying sessions.
Going out first to determine the grid for race one, Stevenheydens qualified in fourth spot as the best-placed Silver Cup entrant, with Henry then matching his performance in the second session to also secure a place on row two for the Sunday race.
Stevenheydens took his place on the grid for the Saturday opener and, having avoided a skirmish at turn one, was able to battle his way up to second spot in a chaotic opening half hour that feature an early safety car and a later full course caution.
Pitting at the half-way stage, Henry rejoined in a net second spot and took advantage of another full course caution to grab the lead - passing Elite team-mate Ravi Ramyead when the race went green to sweep ahead.
Henry was able to ease clear of the sister McLaren but would be hunted down by the Mercedes of Jay Mo Härtling, who managed to slide down the inside into turn one with five minutes left to grab the lead.
Before Henry was able to try and respond, the race went back under caution which neutralised proceedings until the chequered flag to leave Henry as runner-up.
From his second row start in race two, Henry was also able to avoid any drama at the start before settling into a rhythm as he held fourth place throughout his stint, building a gap to the pack behind ready to hand the car over to his team-mate for the run to the flag.
An unfortunate penalty for a pit lane speeding infringement however resulted in Stevenheydens being forced to make an additional trip through the pits and meant the pair would take the flag in eleventh spot at the finish.
Henry ends his rookie season with a very strong end of year form, stepping onto the podium each time out with the McLaren - and a race winning performance in the Italian GT4 Series earlier in the campaign - showing his potential as focus now turns towards 2027.
“Portimão was a really positive way to end the season, and to secure another podium finish is fantastic on my second weekend with the McLaren,” he said. “The team did an amazing job with the car and our pace was really strong throughout, which allowed us to come away with P2 from the opening race.”
“It was a shame that the full course caution at the end prevented me from trying to retake the lead, and we had the pace to challenge for more silverware in race two without the penalty.
“I think it’s fair to say that my first season of GT racing has had its up and downs, but I have been able learn a huge amount that is only going to help me as my career progresses.”
“I have to say a huge thank you to Toyota and Max Böstrom for the opportunity to move into GT4 in the first place, and then to Elite Motorsport and Yani for the final two events with the McLaren.”
“I have to congratulate Charlie and McKenzy for taking the championship for Elite Motorsport and I’m pleased to have played a small part in helping the team to secure the Teams’ Championship title.”
“My focus now is on 2027 and I’m already looking forward for what next year has to offer.”