Key Highlights
- Max Verstappen will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for 2 Seas Motorsport at the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portimao on 16–18 October.
- Verstappen will compete in the Pro category against MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.
- The GT3 appearance will give Verstappen seven consecutive races between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen to Race at Portimao GT World Challenge Europe Finale
Red Bull star Max Verstappen will use the brief gap between two Formula 1 triple-headers to compete in the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimao, Portugal, on 16–18 October. The four-time Formula 1 champion will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport under the Verstappen Racing banner.
The event will mark Verstappen’s first appearance in SRO’s GT World Challenge series and his first GT3 outing since the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May. He will compete directly against MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who is scheduled to race for BMW’s factory-supported WRT team in the same Pro category.
Calendar Change Opens Door for Verstappen Racing Driver Line-Up
Verstappen’s participation has been made possible by a late change to the World Endurance Championship calendar. Full-season Verstappen Racing drivers Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella will be unavailable for the GT World Challenge Europe finale because they are due to compete for Alpine and Genesis respectively in the Barcelona 6 Hours on the same weekend.
Verstappen confirmed his own participation ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after explaining that two replacement drivers would be required for the Portimao event.
“I know that two of my drivers won’t be part of the line-up. Two other drivers need to step in. I’m looking forward to it,” Verstappen said, before confirming he will be racing himself.
“Of course, I would have loved to see my normal drivers compete, but the calendar has changed at times. And that’s OK.
“I love Portimao. I love being in Portugal. So we’ll try and have a good weekend.”
Verstappen to Join Chris Lulham at Portimao
The identity of the driver who will join Verstappen and Chris Lulham for the three-round Endurance Cup race at Portimao has not been confirmed. Verstappen has ruled out the possibility of teaming up with Fernando Alonso.
The addition of the Portimao GT World Challenge Europe event will create Verstappen’s busiest stretch of the season. He is set to contest seven consecutive races between last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix on 8 November.
“It’s going to be a busy seven weeks, but we’ll do it and I enjoy it anyway. So, let’s see what we can do there,” he added.
Verstappen Expands Sportscar Racing Programme
Verstappen has increasingly devoted time to sportscar racing, while his eponymous Verstappen Racing team has expanded its racing programme for 2026. The Dutch driver aims to return to the Nordschleife next year for a second attempt at the Nurburgring 24 Hours after a late mechanical problem ended his bid for victory in May.
Verstappen is also planning to add the Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours to his 2027 schedule. However, he has dismissed discussions about racing Ford’s new Hypercar at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Why This Matters
Verstappen’s Portimao entry highlights his growing involvement in sportscar racing alongside his Formula 1 commitments. The calendar change has created an unusual overlap between the World Endurance Championship and GT World Challenge Europe, forcing Verstappen Racing to adjust its driver line-up while giving Verstappen the opportunity to compete personally.
The race will also place Verstappen and Valentino Rossi together in the same GT World Challenge Europe Pro category, adding a high-profile contest between a four-time Formula 1 champion and a MotoGP legend. The Portimao event is part of an especially demanding seven-race run for Verstappen before the Brazilian Grand Prix on 8 November.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Max Verstappen race at Portimao?
Verstappen will compete at the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portimao, Portugal, from 16–18 October.
Which car and team will Verstappen use?
He will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport under the Verstappen Racing banner.
Who will Verstappen race against?
Verstappen will compete in the Pro category against Valentino Rossi, who will race for BMW’s factory-supported WRT team. Chris Lulham is also confirmed as part of Verstappen’s entry, while the identity of the other driver has not been announced.
