- Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will race in the GT World Challenge Europe Cup season finale at Portimao.
- The entry places Verstappen on the same grid as nine-time motorcycle racing grand prix champion Valentino Rossi.
- The Portimao outing comes in the middle of an intense racing schedule that will see Verstappen competing across seven consecutive weekends.
Max Verstappen Confirms GT3 Outing at Portimao
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed that he will take part in the season finale of the GT World Challenge Europe Cup at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal. The announcement, confirmed during the F1 race weekend at the Sepang International Circuit, marks an extraordinary expansion of the Dutch driver’s schedule. Positioned directly between two F1 triple-headers, the GT3 appearance means Verstappen will be behind the wheel for seven consecutive race weekends.
The Portimao event will see Verstappen share the track for the first time with motorsport legend Valentino Rossi. Following his retirement from motorcycle racing at the end of the 2021 season, the nine-time grand prix world champion has carved out a prolific career in sports cars, competing across the GT World Challenge Europe Cup, the 24H GT Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Verstappen on Crossing Paths with Valentino Rossi
Addressing members of the media after securing pole position in Sepang, Verstappen was asked about the prospect of competing on the same grid as the Italian icon and whether the matchup added excitement to his upcoming trip to Portugal.
Yeah, I hope I get to see him,
Verstappen explained. He’s a very cool guy, so I hope to catch up with him. I mean, it’s nice, but I do not hope to see him in the race, so that’s normally a good sign.
Aiming to run clear of the pack rather than getting caught in midfield battles, Verstappen emphasized his desire for a dominant and incident-free performance from the front of the field.
I actually hope to see no one, to be just up front and do a good job. But you never know. The grid is super competitive, so I’m just looking forward to the challenge.
It’s very different to Formula 1, but I love it. I mean, I had my first taste already this year at the Nordschleife, and Portimão is a very cool track to drive. So I’m just going to enjoy it and, of course, as a team, we’ll try to do the best we can to get a good result out of it.
Why This Matters
Verstappen’s participation in Portimao bridges two elite disciplines of global motorsport, pairing one of Formula 1’s most dominant modern drivers alongside one of motorcycle racing’s greatest icons in equal-category machinery. While Rossi transitioned to GT3 machinery as a full-time second act in endurance competition, Verstappen has increasingly explored sports car racing outside the Formula 1 paddock, having already tackled the Nurburgring Nordschleife earlier this year. The GT World Challenge Europe Cup season finale is scheduled to run from October 16 to October 18, bringing heightened global attention to the championship decider in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Max Verstappen race in the GT World Challenge Europe Cup?
Verstappen will compete during the season-closing race weekend scheduled for 16-18 October at Portimao in Portugal.
What championships has Valentino Rossi competed in since leaving motorcycle racing?
Since retiring from two-wheel competition at the conclusion of 2021, Rossi has raced in the GT World Challenge Europe Cup, the 24H GT Series, and the World Endurance Championship.
How does the Portimao race fit into Verstappen’s F1 schedule?
The GT3 appearance is sandwiched directly between two Formula 1 triple-headers, resulting in a demanding stretch of seven consecutive race weekends for the Dutch driver.
