MAX VERSTAPPEN COULD RETURN TO GT3 RACING WITH ALEX PALOU AT PORTIMÃO
Max Verstappen could return to GT3 racing later this year, with the Red Bull driver linked to the final round of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Portimão in Portugal. The three-hour race is scheduled for 17 October, giving Verstappen a possible opportunity to compete during a free weekend in the Formula 1 calendar.
The main reason for the possibility is a clash between the GT World Challenge and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The Portimão race will take place on the same weekend as the 6 Hours of Barcelona, which is scheduled for 18 October. Verstappen Racing’s regular GT3 drivers Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon both have WEC commitments that weekend, meaning they could be unavailable for the Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Verstappen Racing is competing in 2026 with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 after previously running Ferrari machinery. The team’s Endurance Cup line-up includes Chris Lulham, Juncadella and Gounon, with Lulham expected to remain available for the Portimão event. Because GT World Challenge Endurance races require three drivers, the team would need two replacements if Juncadella and Gounon are unable to race.
Verstappen is now being linked with one of those seats. The four-time Formula 1 world champion has already raced his team’s GT3 car in other events and competed in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. Portimão would give him the chance to make his GT World Challenge Europe debut.
The other name connected to the project is Alex Palou. The five-time IndyCar champion has reportedly been approached about joining Verstappen Racing for the race. If the plans go ahead, Palou could share the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Verstappen and Lulham. However, neither Verstappen’s participation nor Palou’s place has been officially confirmed.
The timing would make the race possible for Verstappen. The Portimão event falls between the Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October and the United States Grand Prix on 25 October, leaving him without an F1 race that weekend.
The GT World Challenge has also adjusted the Portimão schedule because of the clash with the WEC. Organisers are working to reduce the conflict between the two championships, although Mercedes-AMG has said it cannot currently confirm either Verstappen’s participation or whether Juncadella and Gounon will miss the GT3 race.
Verstappen has continued to show interest in GT racing alongside his Formula 1 career. Through Verstappen Racing, he has built a programme focused on GT3 racing and has also competed in endurance events. A race with Palou would bring together drivers from Formula 1 and IndyCar in the same Mercedes-AMG GT3.
For now, the Portimão entry remains a possibility rather than a confirmed programme. A final decision will depend on the availability of the regular Verstappen Racing drivers and the schedules of the drivers being considered.
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