Max Verstappen Tests Mercedes AMG GT3 in Portugal
Fresh off his narrow F1 title defeat, Max Verstappen was back testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Estoril with the 2 Seas Motorsport team, continuing his active exploration of endurance racing as a future career path.
Max Verstappen has swapped his Red Bull for a Mercedes, testing the AMG GT3 at Portugal's Estoril circuit in a private session with the 2 Seas Motorsport team. The outing is part of the four-time champion's ongoing exploration of GT and endurance racing, a passion he intends to pursue more fully after his Formula 1 career.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's consistent participation in GT3 tests and races, even immediately after a grueling F1 season, underscores his deep-seated passion for driving beyond the pinnacle of single-seaters. It highlights a growing trend of top F1 drivers seeking competitive challenges in endurance racing, potentially shaping the future landscape of motorsport.
The details:
- The test took place at the Autódromo do Estoril, a former Portuguese Grand Prix venue, just over a week after Verstappen narrowly lost the 2025 F1 title to Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi.
- He was driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3, a car fielded by the 2 Seas Motorsport team, which previously ran the Verstappen.com Racing entry in the GT World Challenge Europe.
- Mercedes factory driver Jules Gounon was also present at the track, suggesting a collaborative or comparative running session.
- This test follows Verstappen's victory earlier this year in the Nürburgring 24h Qualifying Race, co-driving with Chris Lulham.
The big picture:
Verstappen has been vocal about his long-term ambition to compete in top-level endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, once his F1 commitments allow. These regular GT3 outings serve as both serious preparation for that future and a pure enjoyment of driving different machinery. His activities mirror those of other F1 stars like Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, who also frequently test GT cars, blurring the lines between racing disciplines.
What's next:
While no official race program has been announced, these tests keep Verstappen sharp and build his relationship with teams like 2 Seas Motorsport, making a future race entry seamless. Coincidentally, the test occurred on the same day F1 announced its return to Portugal in 2027, highlighting the nation's renewed importance on the global motorsport map. For now, Verstappen continues to balance his relentless F1 title pursuits with his foundational love for racing in all its forms.