{"id":3918,"date":"2026-10-13T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=3918"},"modified":"2026-10-12T18:26:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T21:26:56","slug":"verstappen-races-a-mercedes-despite-red-bull-f1-ties-inside-his-gt3-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/verstappen-races-a-mercedes-despite-red-bull-f1-ties-inside-his-gt3-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Verstappen races a Mercedes despite Red Bull F1 ties: inside his GT3 team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Verstappen Racing competes with a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO<\/strong>, following a multi-year partnership announced for 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2 Seas Motorsport operates the GT World Challenge Europe programme<\/strong>, with Verstappen involved in technical and sporting decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verstappen will personally race the #3 Mercedes at Portim\u00e3o on October 17, alongside Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Max Verstappen is preparing to race a <strong>Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for his own Verstappen Racing team<\/strong> at the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portim\u00e3o, Portugal, on Saturday, October 17, adding another chapter to his expanding activities outside Formula 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the Dutchman drives for Red Bull in F1, his GT racing operation has a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, competing in both the Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup of GT World Challenge Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme is operated by <strong>2 Seas Motorsport<\/strong>, an established GT racing organisation responsible for preparing the cars, managing race operations and providing technical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen&#8217;s appearance at Portim\u00e3o will bring him directly into a championship where his team has competed throughout the season, with the four-time world champion sharing the #3 Mercedes with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Verstappen Racing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen Racing is Max Verstappen&#8217;s motorsport project outside Formula 1, created to support drivers and compete in professional GT racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The operation has developed from Verstappen&#8217;s involvement in sim racing, particularly through Team Redline, into a programme that combines virtual competition, driver development and real-world endurance racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of its central figures is Chris Lulham, a British driver who progressed through professional sim racing before establishing himself in GT competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project allows Verstappen to support emerging talent while participating in a different form of motorsport from Formula 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verstappen Racing is not a second Formula 1 team.<\/strong> It is a separate GT racing operation that competes in championships organised under the GT3 regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its activities include both short-format sprint races and longer endurance events, where several drivers share the same car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does Verstappen Racing use a Mercedes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen Racing announced a <strong>multi-year collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport for the 2026 season<\/strong>, replacing the combination of Aston Martin and Ferrari machinery previously used in its GT programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2025, the team competed with an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the Sprint Cup, while Lulham participated in the Endurance Cup with a Ferrari 296 GT3 entered by Emil Frey Racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The move to Mercedes established a more unified programme for 2026, with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO competing in both GT World Challenge Europe divisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision also brought the team into Mercedes-AMG&#8217;s customer-racing structure, providing access to technical support and an established platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing chief Stefan Wendl welcomed the collaboration, highlighting 2 Seas Motorsport&#8217;s experience and previous success with the manufacturer&#8217;s GT3 machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The partnership is separate from Verstappen&#8217;s Formula 1 commitments with Red Bull Racing, which competes with its own power-unit programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Mercedes connection concerns GT racing rather than Formula 1<\/strong>, allowing Verstappen to develop his endurance project independently of the team he represents in the world championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24-HORAS-DE-NURBURGRING-MAX-VERSTAPPEN-RED-BULL-MERECDES-3-2-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1001086346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24-HORAS-DE-NURBURGRING-MAX-VERSTAPPEN-RED-BULL-MERECDES-3-2-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24-HORAS-DE-NURBURGRING-MAX-VERSTAPPEN-RED-BULL-MERECDES-3-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24-HORAS-DE-NURBURGRING-MAX-VERSTAPPEN-RED-BULL-MERECDES-3-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24-HORAS-DE-NURBURGRING-MAX-VERSTAPPEN-RED-BULL-MERECDES-3-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/24-HORAS-DE-NURBURGRING-MAX-VERSTAPPEN-RED-BULL-MERECDES-3-2.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mercedes #3 with Max Verstappen (Photo: Gruppe C)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What car does Verstappen Racing use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&lt;text&gt;&lt;\/text&gt;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Specification<\/th><th>Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Manufacturer<\/td><td>Mercedes-AMG<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Model<\/td><td>GT3 EVO<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Race number<\/td><td>#3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Championship<\/td><td>GT World Challenge Europe<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Class<\/td><td>Pro<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team operator<\/td><td>2 Seas Motorsport<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Engine configuration<\/td><td>6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Drivetrain<\/td><td>Rear-wheel drive<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO is a competition car derived from the Mercedes-AMG GT sports-car platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike a Formula 1 car, it features an enclosed cockpit, a front-mounted V8 engine and bodywork based on a production sports car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GT3 regulations allow manufacturers to develop racing versions of road-going performance cars, with their competitiveness managed through a Balance of Performance system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That system can adjust parameters such as weight and power output to reduce performance differences between models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mercedes also features racing aerodynamics, specialised suspension, slick tyres and safety equipment designed for endurance competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The #3 car competes in the <strong>Pro class<\/strong>, which permits a line-up of professional drivers and allows the team to challenge for overall victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who runs Verstappen Racing during race weekends?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the team carries Verstappen&#8217;s name, its GT World Challenge Europe entries are operated by <strong>2 Seas Motorsport<\/strong>, an Anglo-Bahraini organisation with extensive experience in GT competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team is led by Nick Cristofaro, who has a long-standing relationship with Verstappen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2 Seas Motorsport provides the infrastructure required to compete, including engineering personnel, mechanics, race strategy, pit-stop operations and logistical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrangement allows Verstappen Racing to benefit from an established racing organisation while maintaining its own identity and driver-development objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen remains closely involved in the programme even when his Formula 1 schedule prevents him from attending races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the 2026 Spa 24 Hours weekend, Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing chief Stefan Wendl explained that the Dutchman participated in the team&#8217;s technical discussions and remained integrated into its structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dani Juncadella has also described Verstappen as actively involved in decisions rather than simply allowing another organisation to use his name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who normally drives for Verstappen Racing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The regular 2026 line-up includes Chris Lulham, Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Sprint Cup, Lulham shares the Mercedes with Juncadella, while Gounon joins the pair for Endurance Cup races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Juncadella and Gounon bring extensive experience in professional GT competition, including major endurance races and manufacturer-backed programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrangement provides Lulham with experienced teammates as he continues developing his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Portim\u00e3o, however, the line-up will change because Juncadella and Gounon have commitments in the FIA World Endurance Championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verstappen and Ben Barnicoat will replace the regular drivers<\/strong>, joining Lulham for the three-hour race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The full profiles of <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/who-are-max-verstappens-gt3-teammates-meet-chris-lulham-and-ben-barnicoat\/\">Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat, Verstappen&#8217;s GT3 teammates at Portim\u00e3o<\/a>, explain their backgrounds and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How competitive has Verstappen Racing been in 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen Racing has already demonstrated its ability to challenge established endurance teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme came close to victory at the N\u00fcrburgring 24 Hours in May, where Verstappen, Juncadella, Lucas Auer and Gounon were running competitively before a driveshaft problem ended their chances during the final stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The setback was particularly disappointing because the team had remained in contention for victory deep into the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen Racing subsequently entered the Spa 24 Hours with Juncadella, Gounon and Lulham, continuing its participation in major international GT events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The programme has also competed throughout the GT World Challenge Europe season, gaining experience with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO across different circuits and race formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will Verstappen race for his own team?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen will join the GT World Challenge Europe grid at the <strong>Aut\u00f3dromo Internacional do Algarve in Portim\u00e3o on Saturday, October 17<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The race is scheduled to begin at 17:00 local time in Portugal, corresponding to 13:00 in Bras\u00edlia and 12:00 on the United States East Coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dutchman will share driving duties with Lulham and Barnicoat during the three-hour event, which concludes the Endurance Cup season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the complete programme, read <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/where-is-max-verstappen-racing-this-weekend-gt-world-challenge-europe-explained\/\">where Max Verstappen is racing this weekend and the Portim\u00e3o schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> will broadcast the GT World Challenge Europe event live on GPTV and YouTube, including practice, qualifying and Saturday&#8217;s race. Coverage of the race is scheduled to begin at <strong>12:30 Bras\u00edlia time<\/strong>, 30 minutes before the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event will be available through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@GPTV\">GPTV YouTube channel<\/a>, subject to broadcast availability in each territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Max Verstappen will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for his own team at Portim\u00e3o this weekend, despite competing for Red Bull in Formula 1. Here&#8217;s how Verstappen Racing works, who operates the team and why the Dutchman chose Mercedes for his growing endurance programme.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1010396149,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Max Verstappen and his teammates","42wp_featured_image_credits":"Red Bull Content Pool","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":48,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[46],"tags":[813,64,812,666],"42wp_author":[48],"class_list":["post-3918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-endurance","tag-2-seas-motorsport","tag-max-verstappen","tag-mercedes-amg","tag-verstappen-racing","42wp_author-giovani-danjo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3918"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3919,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918\/revisions\/3919"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1010396149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3918"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=3918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}