Max Verstappen will debut in the GT World Challenge Europe series later this month, ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
Verstappen has been eyeing a serious stint in GT and Endurance racing next season, with the 2027 F1 calendar offering potential opportunities to race at Spa and the Nürburgring.
That said, the Red Bull driver has announced that he has found a ‘free’ weekend of racing in October to make his debut in the GT World Challenge Europe.
The 29-year-old will take part in the season finale at Portimao, jumping into his Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the Endurance Cup race.
The race at the Algarve Circuit falls between the Singapore and US GP weekends and has allowed Verstappen to compete against the likes of nine-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi.
Rossi, who made a switch to four-wheelers in 2022, will drive the BMW M4 GT3 for factory outfit Team WRT.
Verstappen’s decision comes off the back of speculation about his appearance, given Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella have decided to forgo the event owing to prioritising their WEC commitments.
Max Verstappen is “looking forward” to his maiden GTWC outing at Portimao
Speaking ahead of the Bahrain GP in Malaysia weekend, Verstappen explained his decision to slot in a competitive GT3 event between his F1 commitments.
“Well, I know that two of my drivers won’t be part of the line-up, so two other drivers need to step in, and I’m looking forward to it,” he told media, including Motorsport Week.
“It’s going to be a busy seven weeks, but I enjoy it anyway, so yeah, let’s see what we can do there.”
The four-time F1 World Champion will be joined by Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat for the three-hour race, with the duo having driven in the series last year at the Nürburgring.
The Algarve Circuit is set to return as the host of the F1 Portuguese GP next season, and as such, Verstappen would be hoping to make the best of his time at the track, this season, albeit in a completely different racing category.
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