It’s finally official: Max Verstappen is competing in the GT World Challenge Europe!

It’s finally official: Max Verstappen will be competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in 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, partnering Chris Lulham. The team’s third driver will be confirmed shortly. There had initially been speculation about five-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou taking part, but these rumours have recently died down.

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 taking part.

“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 entry in the GT World Challenge Europe. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s sure to be seven busy weeks, but we’ll manage it. And besides, I enjoy 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. He recently confirmed that he would like to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 Hours again in 2027.