Max Verstappen to debut in GT World Challenge Europe at Portimão

Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen will make his debut in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at the Portimão circuit in Portugal. The event, scheduled for October 16–18, features a three-hour race on Saturday, October 17.

Verstappen will drive the number 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing (entered by 2 Seas Motorsport). He will share the cockpit with drivers Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. His participation follows a scheduling conflict that prevented regular team drivers Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella from competing due to their commitments in the World Endurance Championship.

The race presents a notable matchup as Verstappen will compete in the Pro class against nine-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who is driving a BMW M4 GT3 for Team WRT. Verstappen noted that while the upcoming weeks will be busy, he is looking forward to the challenge and enjoys racing at the Portimão track.