News Summary
- Max Verstappen has developed a racing programme outside F1, combining simulator competition, GT3 racing and driver development.
- The Dutchman has raced at the Nürburgring Nordschleife and expanded his involvement in major endurance events.
- His next appearance comes at Portimão on October 17, sharing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
Max Verstappen will return to GT3 competition at Portimão this weekend, continuing a racing career outside Formula 1 that has developed from professional sim racing into real-world endurance competition.
The four-time F1 world champion will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup finale on Saturday, October 17, driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO entered by his own Verstappen Racing programme.
The event represents another stage in a project that has grown considerably in recent years, with Verstappen investing in young drivers, racing teams and opportunities to compete in categories outside Formula 1.
His participation at Portimão comes between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix, adding another race weekend to an already demanding schedule.
How Verstappen’s sim-racing career became a real-world project
Verstappen has been involved in competitive sim racing for several years, particularly through Team Redline, one of the best-known organisations in professional virtual motorsport.
The Dutchman has regularly competed in online endurance races, sometimes participating during Formula 1 race weekends when his schedule allows.
His virtual racing activities have included events modelled on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona and Nürburgring endurance competitions.
Although simulator racing does not reproduce every physical demand of a real GT3 car, it provides experience in traffic management, race strategy, concentration and driving consistency.
Verstappen’s involvement goes beyond occasional appearances. He has helped develop drivers and create pathways between virtual racing and professional GT competition.
Chris Lulham is one of the most prominent examples, progressing from Team Redline into the Verstappen Racing GT3 programme.
Nürburgring became Verstappen’s main GT3 proving ground
The Nürburgring Nordschleife has played a particularly important role in Verstappen’s expansion into endurance racing.
The German circuit is more than 20km long and combines high-speed sections, elevation changes and limited runoff areas, making it one of the most demanding venues in international motorsport.
Verstappen initially developed his familiarity with the Nordschleife through simulator competition before moving into real-world GT3 machinery.
His programme included testing and racing at the circuit as he pursued the necessary qualifications to compete in higher-level endurance events.
The experience provided a very different challenge from Formula 1, where drivers operate highly specialised single-seaters on shorter, modern circuits.
At the Nordschleife, GT3 drivers must manage slower traffic, changing grip conditions and a much wider range of racing situations, particularly during multi-class events.
Verstappen’s interest in the venue has also influenced his team’s development programme and the selection of endurance events in which it competes.
Verstappen Racing expands from Ferrari and Aston Martin to Mercedes
Verstappen Racing has used different GT3 manufacturers as its programme has developed.
During 2025, the operation was involved with Aston Martin machinery in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, while Chris Lulham also competed in a Ferrari 296 GT3 through an arrangement with Emil Frey Racing.
For 2026, Verstappen Racing established a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.
The programme now uses the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, with 2 Seas Motorsport responsible for the technical and operational aspects of the team’s entries.
The arrangement allows Verstappen to develop a professional GT racing structure without directly operating every part of the organisation.
It also creates an unusual contrast with his Formula 1 career: Verstappen competes for Red Bull Racing in F1 while his GT3 programme uses machinery from Mercedes-AMG.
Read more about why Verstappen races a Mercedes despite his Red Bull F1 commitments.
What has Verstappen achieved in GT3 racing?
Verstappen’s real-world GT3 activities have included appearances at the Nürburgring and involvement in his team’s endurance campaigns.
His Nürburgring programme has been particularly important because it allowed him to experience longer races, driver changes and traffic management in a competitive environment.
The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours also provided a major test for Verstappen Racing, with the team running competitively before a mechanical failure compromised its result.
Although Verstappen’s reputation is primarily based on his Formula 1 achievements, his GT3 appearances have demonstrated his commitment to learning a different discipline rather than treating endurance racing as a promotional activity.
His programme has also helped provide opportunities for other drivers to compete in major international events.
Why Verstappen wants to race outside Formula 1
Verstappen has repeatedly expressed his interest in endurance racing, particularly events such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
GT3 competition allows him to race different machinery, share a car with teammates and compete against drivers from a variety of professional backgrounds.
It also provides an opportunity to develop the Verstappen Racing organisation while maintaining his Formula 1 career.
The Dutchman’s involvement in sim racing has remained an important part of that programme, particularly in identifying and supporting drivers capable of transitioning into real-world competition.
His approach reflects a broader interest in motorsport beyond the Formula 1 championship.
Portimão adds another chapter to Verstappen’s GT3 career
Verstappen will compete at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve on Saturday, October 17, sharing the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
The race is the final round of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, with more than 60 GT3 cars expected to compete.
The Dutchman will also share the grid with nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi, who will race a BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Team WRT.
Read more about Verstappen and Valentino Rossi competing in the same GT3 race at Portimão.
GRANDE PRÊMIO Brazil will broadcast the event live on GPTV and YouTube, including practice, qualifying and Saturday’s race.
For the full programme, see where Max Verstappen is racing this weekend.
