Max Verstappen is making his GT World Challenge debut in Portugal this weekend. Image: Supplied/GT World Challenge
Fresh from consecutive Formula 1 victories in Malaysia and Singapore, the four-time world champion will turn his attention to GT racing for Sunday’s three-hour endurance event at Portimao.
Verstappen will share the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
The Dutch driver steps in after regular drivers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon were ruled out by their FIA World Endurance Championship commitments in Spain.
Speaking after testing at the Portuguese circuit on Thursday, Verstappen admitted he was still adjusting to the car and conditions, but insisted his competitive ambitions remained unchanged.
“We’re here to win. That’s always the target,” Verstappen said.
The appearance marks another step in the Dutchman’s growing involvement in endurance racing, having previously competed at the Nurburgring Nordschleife with his own racing operation.
Although familiar with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, Verstappen acknowledged the different characteristics of Portimao had presented a challenge during his initial running.
“It’s been alright. Of course, my references are from the Nurburgring Nordschleife, so it took a bit of time to get used to driving the car at this track,” he said.
“But the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is very well-balanced and it has proven over the last few years that it’s also very competitive.”
Verstappen also admitted the transition from F1 to GT competition was taking him beyond his usual racing experience.
“I’m getting a bit out of my comfort zone driving this type of car, but I love it. I love competing in all types of categories,” he added.
Max Verstappen testing the car this week. Image: GT World Challenge
Another attraction is the opportunity to race alongside other drivers, something Verstappen has rarely experienced during his single-seater career.
He will reunite with Barnicoat, against whom he competed extensively in karting, while Lulham has developed a longstanding relationship with Verstappen through sim racing.
“Sharing the car with teammates is something that I’ve not really done in my career so far,” he said.
“Of course, I got a taste at the Nordschleife and I really enjoyed that. To get the first opportunity here now, in GT World Challenge, is exciting.”
The race will also see Verstappen compete in the same field as nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi, who will drive a BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Team WRT.
Beyond this weekend, Verstappen is already considering further endurance appearances in 2027, including a potential debut at the 24 Hours of Spa.
With the event no longer clashing with F1 next season, the Red Bull driver said he was working towards making an appearance at the Belgian race.
“I love Spa of course, so I’m trying to make it work, as I want to arrive well prepared,” he said.
“I’m going to try my best to be there. It’s close to the Dutch border and I’m also half Belgian. For me it would be nice to join and to race in one of the biggest endurance events of the year.”
For now, his focus remains on Portimao, where qualifying takes place on Friday evening local time before Saturday’s three-hour race.
How to watch Max Verstappen in GT World Challenge Europe
GT World Challenge Europe is live and exclusively on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports in Australia.
New Zealand fans can watch the race live and free through the official GT World YouTube channel.
Qualifying begins at 3:55am AEDT on Saturday, with the race scheduled to start at 3:00am AEDT on Sunday.