Max Verstappen will join the Verstappen.com Racing GT3 line-up at Portimao from October 16 to 18, stepping in for two regular drivers who have other commitments. The four-time Formula 1 champion confirmed the news during a press conference ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The Portimao GT3 race comes amid one of the busiest stretches of Verstappen’s racing calendar. It follows a triple-header of Formula 1 events that began with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26, continues with the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend on October 4, and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. After competing in Portugal, Verstappen will travel to Austin, Texas, for another F1 triple-header.
“Well, I know that two of my drivers won’t be part of the line-up. Two other drivers need to step in. I’m looking forward to it,” Verstappen said when asked about his participation. “It’s going to be a busy seven weeks, but we’ll do it, and I enjoy it anyway. So yeah, let’s see what we can do there.” When pressed to confirm he would actually race, he added simply, “Yep.”
Verstappen made his GT3 racing debut last year. In May 2025, he completed his Nürburgring Nordschleife permit tests under the pseudonym Franz Hermann. He then entered his first GT3 race in September at the NLS 4 Hours of Barbarossapreis. Driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 run by Emil Frey Racing and sharing the car with Team Redline teammate Chris Lulham, Verstappen started third on the grid. He moved up during his stint and took the overall lead, securing victory in his maiden GT3 start.
The Portimao race is the final round of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe series. Verstappen’s involvement is a notable addition to the event, given his status as one of Formula 1’s top drivers. His racing activities this year continue to blur the lines between F1 and GT3 competition, as he balances both disciplines during a demanding schedule.
The decision to race at Portimao fills the gap left by two regular drivers who have other commitments, according to Verstappen. The Dutch driver’s commitment to both Formula 1 and GT3 is unusual among top-tier F1 champions, who typically focus solely on the Grand Prix calendar.
Verstappen was seen at the Nürburgring earlier this year on March 31 as part of his ongoing involvement in endurance racing. His experience on the Nordschleife helped prepare him for GT3 competition, which demands a different racing style and endurance approach compared to Formula 1.
With the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia just days away and Singapore following a week later, Verstappen’s schedule leaves little room for rest. After Portimao, he will head to the United States for the next F1 events, underlining the relentless pace of his racing commitments this season.
Verstappen’s participation in Portimao is confirmed, making him one of the few current Formula 1 drivers competing in GT3 during the same season. The event will test his adaptability as he switches from the high-downforce, sprint-style racing of F1 to the endurance and close-quarters battles typical of GT3 racing.
According to Yahoo Sports.