Max Verstappen is reportedly preparing for a new GT racing venture, with speculation surrounding his participation in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup finale. The event is scheduled to take place at Portimão, Portugal, from October 16-18, 2026.
This potential outing would see the four-time Formula 1 World Champion compete for his own team, Verstappen Racing, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
The timing of the Portimão race is notable, as it falls within a break in the current 2026 Formula 1 calendar. This window is positioned between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix, making the GT appearance feasible.
Verstappen Racing’s regular drivers, Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, are expected to be unavailable for the Portimão event. Their commitments to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) include a conflicting race in Barcelona.
This scheduling conflict creates an opening for additional drivers. Rumours suggest that five-time IndyCar champion Álex Palou is a leading candidate to join Verstappen and Chris Lulham in the Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Verstappen has reportedly expressed a preference for Palou as a potential teammate for this high-profile GT race.
However, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport has not issued official confirmation regarding Verstappen’s participation or the unavailability of Juncadella and Gounon.
This would not be Verstappen’s first GT3 appearance in 2026. He previously competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours earlier this year with Verstappen Racing, also in a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Verstappen has long articulated a desire to compete in endurance racing, particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While a 2026 Le Mans entry was not possible due to a clash with the Spanish Grand Prix, his long-term ambitions remain.
Discussions have also taken place with Ford regarding a future Le Mans Hypercar project, though this would not materialise for the 2027 season.
Red Bull Racing has consistently supported Verstappen’s GT racing interests, provided they do not interfere with his Formula 1 commitments.
Verstappen.com Racing, established in 2022 in collaboration with Red Bull, aims to expand the Verstappen name into various motorsport disciplines, including GT3 racing.
The four-time F1 champion recently extended his contract with Red Bull, securing his Formula 1 future through the 2030 season.
