Verstappen Racing has announced a multi-year collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, beginning next season and marking a significant new phase in the team’s development. The programme will see Verstappen Racing continue its presence in the GT World Challenge (GTWC) Europe powered by AWS, with a renewed focus across both Sprint and Endurance competition. Thus, by aligning with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the project signals its ambition to compete at the sharp end of the GT3 field in one of Europe’s most competitive championships.
The team will field the proven Mercedes-AMG GT3, operated by experienced outfit 2 Seas Motorsport, which brings a strong track record with AMG machinery. Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, welcomed the collaboration.
“We are delighted that Verstappen Racing has chosen to field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the GT World Challenge Europe. With 2 Seas Motorsport, the project is supported by a highly experienced team that has already achieved numerous successes and championship titles with our car. Accordingly, we are very pleased about this extremely ambitious and promising project, as well as about another high-calibre entry in both the Sprint and Endurance programmes of the GT World Challenge Europe.”
Verstappen Racing Sprint Cup line-up confirmed for 2026 GTWC with Juncadella bringing Mercedes experience
Chris Lulham will continue his racing programme in 2026 in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, embarking on his second season in the series. He will partner Spanish driver Daniel Juncadella, forming a new-look pairing under the Verstappen Racing banner.
Juncadella, 34, brings extensive GT and single-seater experience, including prior campaigns in Mercedes-AMG GT3 machinery. Thus, the duo will contest the five-round Sprint Cup season at some of Europe’s most iconic circuits, with 2 Seas Motorsport overseeing operations.
Lulham expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: “It is really exciting to continue racing in the GT World Challenge Europe, now with a new teammate and new car. I have learned and experienced a lot in my first year of GT3 racing, and it’s an unbelievable opportunity to now be able to work with such professionals as Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and Daniel. I can’t wait to get started.”
Meanwhile, Juncadella echoed that sentiment: “I’m excited to be partnering up with Chris in the upcoming GT World Challenge Europe season and thankful for Verstappen Racing to be partnering up with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. With the input that Max brings to the table, it’s a really strong project.”
Endurance ambitions strengthened
In addition to its Sprint campaign, Verstappen Racing will continue to support an entry in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. Lulham and Juncadella will share the cockpit with AMG Performance Driver Jules Gounon across the five endurance rounds. The calendar includes marquee events such as the 24 Hours of Spa, widely regarded as the crown jewel of GT racing in Europe.
Gounon welcomed the opportunity to join the project. He said, “As I have worked for years with Mercedes-AMG, it is just great to now continue to build on that experience, together with Verstappen Racing, Chris and Dani. It is a fantastic project that has all the ingredients to make it a success. I look forward to working together.”
With manufacturer backing, an experienced operational partner and a balanced driver line-up, Verstappen Racing now positions itself for a strong new chapter in GT3 competition.
