Verstappen's GT Team Switches to Mercedes for 2026 Pro Class Push

After clinching the Gold Cup in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe, Max Verstappen's Verstappen.com Racing team is set for a significant leap in 2026. The team will switch to Mercedes-AMG machinery and move up to compete in the premier Pro class, marking the next step in the four-time F1 champion's expanding motorsport empire.

Why it matters:

This move highlights Verstappen's serious, long-term commitment to building a competitive racing team beyond his F1 dominance. It's not just a hobby; it's a structured business venture. His entry into the Pro class with a manufacturer like Mercedes adds star power and credibility to the series, while also showcasing his methodical, 'step-by-step' approach to team management and driver development, a philosophy that mirrors his own rise in F1.

The details:

• The Switch: Verstappen.com Racing will trade its Aston Martin cars for Mercedes-AMG for the 2026 season, signing a multi-year deal with the German manufacturer.
• The Promotion: After winning the 2025 Gold Cup, the team will step up to the top-tier Pro class, where they will compete directly with factory-backed and professional outfits.
• Driver Development: Verstappen emphasized the gradual progression, noting that one of his 2025 drivers, Chris Lulham, came from sim racing. Jumping straight to the Pro class would have been "a bit much," showing a focus on sustainable growth over immediate, high-risk results.
• Key Focus Areas: The team spent 2025 optimizing stints, qualifying performance, and managing car balance, crucial skills for the more demanding Pro class environment.

What's next:

Verstappen is clear that this is just the beginning of his ambitions. His goal is to "go bigger and bigger," but he remains cautious about overextending the team too quickly. The primary challenge for 2026 will be proving their mettle in the highly competitive Pro class against established teams. If their methodical approach continues, Verstappen.com Racing could quickly become a formidable force in GT racing, further solidifying the Verstappen brand in the world of motorsport.