Max Verstappen has expressed his determination to challenge for victory on his GT World Challenge (GTWC) Europe debut at Portimão while revealing that he hopes to compete in the 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
The four-time Formula 1 World Champion will contest the 2026 GTWC Europe Endurance Cup season finale at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve on Saturday, 17 October, sharing the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
His appearance follows a scheduling clash between GTWC Europe and the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Barcelona round, which has prevented regular Verstappen Racing drivers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon from competing in Portugal.
After completing Thursday’s opening test, Verstappen discussed his first impressions of the championship, the challenges of adapting to GT3 machinery, his relationships with his new teammates and his ambitions for further endurance racing appearances. Although he acknowledged the learning curve, the Dutchman made clear that he intends to compete at the front.
Verstappen welcomes opportunity to race at Portimão
Verstappen’s participation marks another significant development in his growing involvement with GT racing, allowing him to compete directly in the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing programme that has contested both the Sprint and Endurance Cups throughout 2026.
The opportunity emerged after Juncadella and Gounon became unavailable for the season finale because of their WEC commitments. With both drivers competing in Barcelona, Verstappen elected to take one of the vacant seats, while Barnicoat joined Lulham to complete the revised line-up.
Speaking during an interview with GTWC Europe, Verstappen explained that his enthusiasm for Portugal and the Algarve circuit made the unexpected opportunity particularly appealing.
“I’ve always loved being in Portugal and I’ve spent time here with friends and family. When I saw the calendar clash [between GT World Challenge and the FIA World Endurance Championship], I was like, ‘I don’t mind stepping in!’ It’s a brilliant track and a great environment to come to for fans and families. It’s a very beautiful place.”
The decision gives Verstappen another opportunity to develop his endurance racing experience while competing against some of the leading GT3 specialists in Europe.
Verstappen adjusts to Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Portimão
Although Verstappen has already gained considerable experience in GT3 machinery through his Nürburgring programme, Portimão presents a different challenge from the Nordschleife.
The Portuguese circuit features substantial elevation changes, blind corners and a combination of high-speed and technical sections. Consequently, Verstappen must adjust his driving approach while becoming more familiar with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO in an unfamiliar competitive environment.
Nevertheless, Thursday’s opening official paid test provided an encouraging start. The #3 Mercedes-AMG finished second overall with a 1:43.076, just 0.102 seconds behind the #17 Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed entry. Although the official classification records the fastest lap for each car rather than individual drivers, the result demonstrated the revised crew’s competitive potential.
Verstappen acknowledged that he was still adapting to the circuit and car, particularly given the relatively warm conditions.
“It’s been alright. Of course, my references are from the Nürburgring Nordschleife, so it took a bit of time to get used to driving the car at this track. But the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is very well-balanced and it has proven over the last few years that it’s also very competitive. Today we were just fine-tuning a few details. It’s still quite hot for this time of year and you have to take that into account as well. Of course, you want to go faster, you want to do better. For myself, I’m getting up to speed and the more laps I do, the better it gets.”
Endurance racing offers Verstappen a different challenge
Beyond adapting to the Mercedes-AMG, Verstappen highlighted the distinctive demands of endurance racing compared with Formula 1.
Throughout his single-seater career, the Dutchman has competed individually, with teammates occupying separate cars rather than sharing driving responsibilities. GT3 endurance racing introduces a different competitive structure, requiring drivers to coordinate their performances, driving stints and feedback within a shared programme.
Verstappen experienced some of those demands during his Nürburgring programme, which included his maiden GT3 victory alongside Lulham in 2025 and his first Nürburgring 24 Hours appearance in 2026.
The Portimão finale now provides another opportunity to develop those skills in a different championship, where three drivers must contribute to a single result.
“For sure. For me it’s also the endurance aspect of it. Sharing the car with teammates is something that I’ve not really done in my career so far. 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.”
His comments reflect his growing interest in endurance competition, which has developed alongside his established Formula 1 commitments and the expansion of Verstappen Racing.
Barnicoat reunion brings back karting memories
Barnicoat’s addition to the #3 Mercedes-AMG also reunites Verstappen with a familiar rival from his early racing career.
The British driver competed against Verstappen during their karting years before the pair pursued different paths through international motorsport. While Verstappen progressed through single-seaters to Formula 1, Barnicoat established himself in GT and endurance racing, gaining experience across several manufacturers and championships.
Their reunion at Portimão therefore provides an unusual opportunity to compete together rather than against one another, with both now contributing to the same GT3 programme.
“In go-karting we raced a lot against each other. Then our careers went in different directions, but it’s good to catch up and it’s nice to be able to share the car together.”
Barnicoat’s experience will prove valuable as the team prepares for Saturday’s three-hour race, particularly because the revised combination has limited time to develop its working relationship.
With the WEC calendar clash forcing Verstappen Racing to change its line-up, the trio must maximise its preparation during testing, practice and qualifying.
Verstappen praises Lulham’s progress from sim racing
Verstappen also expressed his admiration for Lulham, whose transition from sim racing to international GT competition has formed an important part of the Verstappen Racing project.
The British driver has worked closely with Verstappen in the virtual racing environment, developing a relationship that has subsequently extended into professional motorsport.
Lulham became part of Verstappen’s GT racing programme and has continued gaining experience in GTWC Europe, where he competed alongside Juncadella and Gounon during the 2026 Endurance Cup campaign.
The trio secured the team’s first Endurance Cup podium at the Nürburgring, demonstrating the progress of the Mercedes-AMG programme during its inaugural season.
Verstappen praised Lulham’s development and his ability to establish himself alongside accomplished GT3 competitors.
“Chris is someone I’ve worked with a long time in the sim racing world and now he’s here competing for real. Every race he is making more progress, getting better, getting more and more experience, and proving himself among the big boys in the paddock.”
Their reunion at Portimão provides another milestone in a partnership that has already produced success at the Nürburgring and continues to develop through Verstappen Racing’s international commitments.
Verstappen impressed by GTWC Europe’s competitive standard ahead of Portimão debut
Although Verstappen enters GTWC Europe as one of motorsport’s most accomplished drivers, he acknowledged the strength of the championship’s established competitors.
The Portimão finale features a 61-car entry across multiple categories, with several manufacturers fielding experienced factory drivers and successful international GT specialists.
Among the leading competitors are Maro Engel, Luca Stolz, Lucas Auer, Thomas Preining, Kelvin van der Linde and Valentino Rossi. Several have previously competed against Verstappen during their formative racing years, while others have established extensive careers in endurance racing.
The depth of the Portimão field also presents a considerable challenge, with teams needing to maintain competitive lap times while navigating traffic and managing race strategy.
Verstappen recognised the achievements of his rivals and the importance of competing against such an experienced field.
“It’s a very high level. Some of them I’ve raced already in the past when we were younger. Some are a bit older than me, but they’ve achieved a lot all over the world. I think the level shows why there are so many cars on the grid: you want to compete in one of the highest GT championships.”
The competitive environment adds another dimension to his debut, particularly as he continues adjusting to GT3 machinery outside his familiar Nürburgring surroundings.
Verstappen embraces close competition and hopes to race Palou
Verstappen also discussed the narrow margins that characterise international GT3 racing, drawing comparisons with the experiences of five-time IndyCar Champion Álex Palou.
Palou competed in the Indianapolis 8 Hour the previous weekend, joining Luca Stolz and Lin Hodenius in the #80 Mercedes-AMG Team Lone Star Racing entry. However, the trio’s race ended after an opening-stage accident, denying Palou the opportunity to complete his first stint.
Despite the disappointment, Palou had expressed his surprise at the competitiveness of the GT3 field, particularly the narrow gaps separating drivers and manufacturers.
Verstappen agreed with that assessment, highlighting the experience of the championship’s regular competitors while acknowledging the challenge of racing outside his usual environment.
“Yes, that’s what you get. There are so many good drivers with so much experience and they drive these GT3 cars day in day out. Naturally, you see that the margins are very small. 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. As for Alex, I’ve raced with him online. We’ve not yet raced together in real life, but I hope one day we can do that.”
His comments underline his enthusiasm for competing across different disciplines and suggest that his interest in GT racing extends beyond isolated appearances.
Verstappen hopes to contest 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa
Looking beyond Portimão, Verstappen also discussed the possibility of competing in the 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
The Belgian endurance classic has emerged as a potential addition to his programme after the 2027 Formula 1 calendar confirmed that the event would not clash directly with a Grand Prix.
Verstappen has previously identified Spa and the Nürburgring as potential endurance racing targets for 2027, while ruling out an immediate appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
However, the Dutchman has consistently stressed that sufficient preparation remains essential before committing to major endurance events. His comments at Portimão reinforced that position, although he expressed a clear desire to participate.
“I love Spa of course, so I’m trying to make it work, as I want to arrive well prepared. 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.”
The 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will take place from 23–27 June, with the race itself scheduled for 26–27 June. Although Verstappen has not confirmed an entry, the absence of a direct Formula 1 clash offers a realistic opportunity to compete.
Verstappen targets victory on GTWC Europe debut in Portimão
Despite acknowledging the challenges of his first GTWC Europe appearance, Verstappen remains determined to fight for victory at Portimão.
The #3 Mercedes-AMG arrives with momentum following a competitive debut season for the programme. Lulham, Juncadella and Gounon secured a podium at the Nürburgring, while the team’s Sprint Cup operation also demonstrated its ability to challenge for race wins.
Thursday’s opening test provided further encouragement, with the Verstappen, Lulham and Barnicoat entry finishing second overall and only 0.102 seconds behind GetSpeed.
Nevertheless, the team faces significant competition from established GT3 combinations, many of which have spent the entire season competing together.
Verstappen acknowledged that enjoyment remains an important part of his decision to compete, but he also made clear that the team’s ultimate objective is victory.
“To have fun, obviously, but also the competitive animal wants to do well, right? We’re here to win. That’s always the target.”
His approach reflects the ambition behind Verstappen Racing, which continues expanding its GT programme while providing the Dutchman with further opportunities to compete outside Formula 1.
Portimão provides another step in Verstappen’s GT3 ambitions
Verstappen’s Portimão appearance marks another important step in his involvement with international GT racing, providing an opportunity to compete directly in a championship where his own team has already established itself.
The Dutchman enters the weekend with some GT3 experience but must adapt to a new circuit, a revised driver combination and a competitive multi-class field. However, the team’s strong opening test performance suggests that the #3 Mercedes-AMG could challenge near the front.
The three-hour Endurance Cup finale will take place on Saturday, 17 October, from 17:00 to 20:00 local Portuguese time. Before then, Verstappen, Lulham and Barnicoat will complete Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions as they prepare for the final GTWC Europe race of 2026.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s comments about the 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa suggest that his international endurance racing ambitions continue to grow. Although he has not committed to the Belgian event, he has identified it as a genuine possibility, provided he can prepare adequately around his Formula 1 obligations.
For now, his immediate focus remains Portimão, where he hopes to turn an unexpected opportunity into a competitive GTWC Europe debut and potentially another significant result for Verstappen Racing.
