Max Verstappen's 2026 GT Plans Take Shape with Mercedes Test
Max Verstappen is testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 this week, indicating a likely manufacturer switch for his Verstappen.com Racing team in 2026 and a potential step up to the Pro class in GT World Challenge Europe. However, his planned Nürburgring 24 Hours debut might be delayed to focus on the crucial 2026 F1 season.
Fresh from securing his fourth Formula 1 world championship, Max Verstappen is already back on track, testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with the 2Seas Motorsport team in Portugal this week. This move signals a potential shift for his Verstappen.com Racing outfit from Aston Martin to Mercedes-AMG for the 2026 GT3 season, with a step up to the competitive Pro class appearing increasingly likely.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's deep involvement in GT racing, even during a critical F1 off-season focused on major 2026 regulation changes, underscores a serious, long-term commitment to sports car competition. His team's potential manufacturer switch and class promotion could position Verstappen.com Racing as a major new force in global GT3 racing, leveraging the star power and resources of the reigning F1 champion.
The details:
- Winter Testing Agenda: Despite a new baby and the impending 2026 F1 rules overhaul, Verstappen is testing at Estoril in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 run by 2Seas Motorsport, a team familiar to his circle.
- Team Dynamics: The test sees Verstappen sharing the car with top Mercedes factory driver Jules Gounon, a strong hint at a works-supported Pro class effort for 2026.
- Potential Driver Line-up: Alongside Gounon, the team could feature sim racer Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen (son of Verstappen's manager), who won the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Gold Cup title this year in an Aston Martin run by 2Seas.
- Nürburgring Ambitions: By obtaining his Nordschleife permit this year, Verstappen has cleared the path to compete in the iconic 24-hour race, with rumors initially linking him to a Porsche drive.
What's next:
While the Mercedes test points to a 2026 GT World Challenge program, Verstappen's coveted Nürburgring 24 Hours debut may be postponed. Paddock whispers suggest the Red Bull driver might prioritize the 2026 F1 season—a year of massive technical change and Red Bull's switch to Ford power—requiring his full focus. The final shape of Verstappen's 2026 GT campaign, balancing his F1 title defense with his sports car ambitions, will become clearer in the coming months.