Verstappen.com Racing Levels Up to Pro Class with Mercedes for 2026

Max Verstappen's GT3 outfit, Verstappen.com Racing, is escalating its ambitions by stepping up to the Pro class for the 2026 season after winning the 2025 Gold Cup. The team is also making a significant switch from Ferrari to Mercedes machinery on a multi-year deal, signaling a more serious, long-term commitment to competing at the highest level of GT racing.

Why it matters:

For a four-time F1 World Champion, this move demonstrates a deep-seated passion for GT racing and a desire to build a winning team from the ground up. It's not just a hobby; it's a professional racing operation aiming to compete against the best factory-backed teams in the world, further solidifying Verstappen's influence and presence across different disciplines of motorsport.

The details:

• The team clinched the Gold Cup championship in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe, the class just below the top-tier Pro category, which Verstappen noted was their initial target.
• In a major strategic shift, Verstappen.com Racing will switch from Ferrari to Mercedes-AMG machinery starting in 2026, signing a multi-year deal with the German manufacturer.
• 2026 Driver Lineup: The Pro class effort will feature drivers Chris Lulham and Aston Martin F1 simulator driver Daniel Juncadella in the Sprint Cup, with Jules Gounon joining them for the Endurance Cup, which includes the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa.
• Verstappen himself competed in several GT3 races in 2025, earning his Nürburgring 'Ring Licence' and has expressed interest in tackling major endurance events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa, and Le Mans when his F1 schedule permits.

What's next:

With the move to the Pro class and the backing of Mercedes-AMG, the team's goal for 2026 is clear: be competitive against established factory teams. Verstappen stated the team is "getting bigger and better," and the ultimate test will be how quickly they can adapt to the new machinery and translate their Gold Cup success into victories at the highest level of GT racing. A strong performance could pave the way for Verstappen to finally fulfill his ambition of competing in iconic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his own team.