Verstappen.com racing mulls switch in GT World Challenge Europe as Portugal test signals new direction
Footage from a rain-soaked southern Portugal circuit captures Verstappen.com Racing on track with two Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars wearing Red Bull liveries. Max Verstappen is seen driving alongside factory Mercedes-AMG racer Jules Gounon, with a Ferrari 296 GT3 also circulating during the session.
Industry outlet Endurance Info notes that the squad might potentially be poised to switch manufacturers for GT World Challenge Europe. The potential move would mark a fifth different manufacturer for Verstappen.com Racing, following stints with Audi, Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Should the plan proceed, the Mercedes program would be run by 2 seas Motorsport-the same outfit that fielded Aston Martin in this year’s GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. The outfit is led by Harry King, Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen.
Beyond the immediate question of a possible supplier change, questions persist about Verstappen’s long-term racing plans outside Formula 1. The Dutch driver has long spoken of ambitions in GT3 racing and a dream of contesting the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
this year, Verstappen participated with Emil Frey racing’s Ferrari squad at the Nürburgring, earning a win in the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (NLS) round. He has repeatedly stressed that his passion extends beyond Formula 1 and that every Nordschleife lap is a special experience.
“It’s my passion to take part in GT3 races like this too,” Verstappen said ahead of his Nordschleife participation. “I am excited about racing, even outside of Formula 1. Every lap on the Nordschleife is a very special experience.”
“Driving in categories other than Formula 1 is my hobby. My dream is to compete in the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife one day.”
| Aspect | |
|---|---|
| Current activity | Verstappen.com Racing testing in Portugal with Mercedes-AMG GT3s in Red Bull livery; Verstappen and Gounon on track; Ferrari 296 GT3 also present. |
| Possible change | Reported consideration of switching manufacturers for GT World Challenge Europe. |
| historically | verstappen.com Racing previously aligned with Audi, Porsche, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. |
| Next team/entry | Mercedes program to be run by 2 Seas Motorsport, the Aston Martin Endurance cup team from this season. |
| Key figures | 2 Seas Motorsport leaders: Harry King, Chris Lulham, Thierry Vermeulen; Verstappen and Gounon as drivers. |
The evolving situation casts a spotlight on the crossover between Formula 1 stars and endurance racing, with verstappen continuing to hint at a broader motorsport footprint beyond the F1 calendar.
Readers, what impact would a factory-backed GT3 program have on Verstappen’s Formula 1 schedule? And do you believe his Nürburgring Nordschleife ambitions could influence his approach to F1 risk management?
Follow this developing story for updates as teams weigh the best path for Verstappen’s multi-disciplinary racing future.
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