A GT3 driver has honoured Max Verstappen after his team achieved its maiden victory in the GT World Challenge Europe last weekend.
Jules Gounon, who drives for Verstappen Racing, converted pole position into a win alongside teammate Daniel Juncadella at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, marking the team’s first-ever Pro-class win in the GT World Challenge Europe.
The victory comes after a tumultuous start to the season for the team, having struggled with mechanical failures and various other incidents with its #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3. It also comes as Verstappen struggles with his own F1 season, having not recorded a race win since the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Gounon: “We have one guy to thank”
As Juncadella sailed home to victory, Gounon praised Verstappen’s involvement with the team to GT World Challenge Europe.
“Well, we have one guy to thank, and that’s Max, because he gave us so many opportunities during the winter to test. Many days with good tyres,” he said.
He went on to emphasise Verstappen’s contributions not just with testing opportunities, but funding and professional infrastructure too.
“We have a great set of engineers, with the four of them, behind the scenes, working day and night towards this project.”
“The goal for Max was to try to be one of the best GT teams in the world, and today, I think, we are doing well.”
Following the team’s win, Verstappen wrote on social media: “So proud. Well done everyone.”
Verstappen founded the eponymous Verstappen Racing team in 2022, supporting his father Jos in rallying. The project expanded to the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup the following year. 2026 marks the team’s first full season in the championship, backing drivers Juncadella, Gounon and Chris Lulham in both the Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup.
The Dutchman made his 24 Hours of Nürburgring debut with the team in May this year. The team was forced to retire at the 21st hour due to a technical issue.
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