News Summary
- Max Verstappen will race at Portimão, Portugal, on October 17, in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup finale.
- The four-time Formula 1 champion will share the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
- GRANDE PRÊMIO will broadcast the event live on GPTV and YouTube, including practice, qualifying and the three-hour race.
Max Verstappen is racing outside Formula 1 this weekend, taking part in the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup season finale at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal, on Saturday, October 17.
The four-time F1 world champion will drive the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO entered by his own Verstappen Racing team, sharing the car with British drivers Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
The event takes place between the Singapore and United States Formula 1 Grands Prix, giving Verstappen another opportunity to compete in GT3 machinery during a particularly busy period of his racing calendar.
As previously reported by GRANDE PRÊMIO, Verstappen added the Portimão GT3 race to his packed Formula 1 schedule, creating a sequence of seven consecutive race weekends.
Where is Max Verstappen racing on October 17?
Verstappen will compete at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, commonly known as Portimão, a 4.692km circuit with 18 corners located in southern Portugal.
The venue previously hosted the Portuguese Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021, making it familiar to Verstappen from his F1 career.
However, the challenge will be different this time. Instead of driving a single-seater, the Dutchman will compete in a GT3 sports car during a three-hour endurance race.
The event is the final round of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, featuring a field of more than 60 GT3 cars from ten manufacturers.
Verstappen will compete against established endurance drivers and other high-profile names, including former MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.
What car will Verstappen drive?
Verstappen will race the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO #3, operated by 2 Seas Motorsport under the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing banner.
The GT3 car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT road-car platform but extensively modified for competition, with racing aerodynamics, slick tyres, a roll cage and endurance-specific components.
Unlike a Formula 1 car, the Mercedes features an enclosed cockpit and is designed to be shared by multiple drivers during longer races.
The #3 entry competes in the Pro class, which brings together professional driver line-ups competing for overall honours.
The car is part of Verstappen’s wider racing programme, which also includes simulator competition and driver development.
Who are Verstappen’s teammates at Portimão?
Verstappen will share the Mercedes with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat, both British drivers with experience in GT racing.
Lulham is a regular member of the Verstappen Racing programme and has competed in the GT World Challenge Europe throughout the season.
Barnicoat brings experience from international GT and endurance racing, including the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
The line-up has been assembled because regular drivers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon are unavailable due to their commitments in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
What time is Max Verstappen racing at Portimão?
The GT World Challenge Europe finale takes place on Saturday, October 17, at 17:00 local time in Portugal, with the race scheduled to last three hours.
| Country or region | Race start |
|---|---|
| Portugal (WEST) | Saturday, 17:00 |
| United Kingdom (BST) | Saturday, 17:00 |
| Brazil (BRT) | Saturday, 13:00 |
| United States — Eastern (EDT) | Saturday, 12:00 |
| India (IST) | Saturday, 21:30 |
| Australia — Melbourne (AEDT) | Sunday, 03:00 |
| New Zealand (NZDT) | Sunday, 05:00 |
The weekend also includes practice and qualifying sessions on Friday, October 16.
Where to watch Verstappen’s GT3 race live
GRANDE PRÊMIO will broadcast the GT World Challenge Europe event live on GPTV and YouTube, including practice, qualifying and Saturday’s three-hour race.
The race begins at 13:00 Brasília time, with GRANDE PRÊMIO’s coverage scheduled to start at 12:30.
Viewers can follow the event through the GPTV YouTube channel, subject to the applicable broadcast availability in their territory.
The GT World Challenge Europe also provides official international coverage through its own digital platforms.
For further coverage of Verstappen’s GT3 programme, visit the GRANDE PRÊMIO endurance racing section.
