Max Verstappen to make his debut in the world’s biggest GT racing series in two weeks’ time

It’s finally official: Max Verstappen will be competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Portimão. During the Formula 1 race in Malaysia, the four-time Formula 1 world champion confirmed his participation in the season finale of the world’s largest GT3 racing series on the undulating circuit in the Algarve.

The Dutchman will compete for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, lining up alongside regular driver Chris Lulham. Ben Barnicoat, who has enjoyed considerable success in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in recent years, will be the third driver.

Due to a clash with the FIA WEC in Barcelona, Dani Juncadella (Genesis) and Jules Gounon (Alpine) will prioritise their Hypercar commitments over the race in Portugal and will not be on the starting grid.

“I know that two of my drivers won’t be there, so two others will have to step in,” said Verstappen in Malaysia regarding his participation in the GT World Challenge Europe. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s certainly going to be seven busy weeks, but we’ll manage it. And besides, I’m enjoying it. Let’s see what we can achieve.”

This year, Verstappen completed several GT3 outings on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and was in contention for overall victory in the 24-hour race until Sunday lunchtime, before a technical fault brought him to a halt. https://www.speedweek.com/a/sportwagen/max-verstappen-24h-nuerburgring-spa-start

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