Max Verstappen to Make GT World Challenge Europe Debut in Portimão Finale

Text & Images: Rick Kiewiet

Max Verstappen will race in GT World Challenge Europe for the first time at the Endurance Cup finale in Portimão, taking part in the weekend of 16–18 October. The four-time Formula 1 champion will drive the #3 Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, run by 2 Seas Motorsport, in the three-hour race.

He shares the car with full-season driver Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. The Lexus factory driver last raced for 2 Seas Motorsport in a one-off appearance at the Nürburgring last year.

The changed line-up comes from the clash with the 6 Hours of Barcelona on the revised FIA World Endurance Championship calendar. Regular drivers Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon will focus on their WEC commitments there. Juncadella's absence also ends his mathematical chance of taking the drivers' title, as he could no longer close a 54.5-point gap.

For Verstappen, Portimão is his first GT3 race since the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. It is also the fifth round of a run of seven consecutive racing weekends for the 29-year-old, who fills the gap between two Formula 1 triple-headers. "I love the track and being in Portugal," he said.

His team has already left the title fight. Retirements with damage at Monza and the 24 Hours of Spa ended its Endurance Cup challenge. It arrives in Portugal with some momentum, though, having taken its first Endurance Cup podium at the Nürburgring in the previous round. Verstappen Racing has been on the GTWC grid since 2025 and moved up to the Pro class this season, winning overall in the Sprint Cup at Magny-Cours.

Verstappen is the second active F1 driver to appear in the series this year. Lance Stroll started the season opener at Paul Ricard last April.

With around 60 GT3 cars expected, the GT2 European Series, GT4 European Series and McLaren Trophy Europe all deciding their titles at the same event, Portimão should be a busy finale.