Catching up with Max about GT3 racing: 'Exciting'
Published on 15 October 2026 by Niels Hendrix
Max Verstappen makes his GT World Challenge debut this weekend at Portimão as part of the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing line-up. We caught up with the Dutchman on Thursday afternoon, after taking part in testing at the Portuguese track.
Max, what was your initial reaction to joining the GT World Challenge grid this weekend?
“I’ve always loved being in Portugal and I’ve spent time here with friends and family. When I saw the calendar clash [between GT World Challenge and the FIA World Endurance Championship], I was like, ‘I don’t mind stepping in!’ It’s a brilliant track and a great environment to come for fans and families. It’s a very beautiful place.”
You’ve been in the car today for testing. How did that go?
“It’s been alright. Of course, my references are from the Nürburgring Nordschleife, so it took a bit of time to get used to driving the car at this track. But the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is very well-balanced and it has proven over the last few years that it’s also very competitive. Today we were just fine-tuning a few details. It’s still quite hot for this time of year and you have to take that into account as well. Of course, you want to go faster, you want to do better. For myself, I’m getting up to speed and the more laps I do, the better it gets.”
What do you think of GT3 as a concept? The field is very even between a lot of manufacturers…
“For sure. For me it’s also the endurance aspect of it. Sharing the car with teammates is something that I’ve not really done in my career so far. Of course, I got a taste at the Nordschleife and I really enjoyed that. To get the first opportunity here now, in GT World Challenge, is exciting.”
Talking about teammates, you’ve raced Ben Barnicoat in the past, haven’t you?
“In go-karting we raced a lot against each other. Then our careers went in different directions, but it’s good to catch up and it’s nice to be able to share the car together.”
And what about Chris Lulham?
“Chris is someone I’ve worked with a long time in the sim racing world and now he’s here competing for real. Every race he is making more progress, getting better, getting more and more experience, and proving himself among the big boys in the paddock.”
What do you think about the level of drivers generally in GT World Challenge?
“It’s a very high level. Some of them I’ve raced already in the past when we were younger. Some are a bit older than me, but they’ve achieved a lot all over the world. I think the level shows why there are so many cars on the grid: you want to compete in one of the highest GT championships.”
Alex Palou was competing in the Indy 8 Hour last week and he couldn’t believe how close the competition was…
“Yes, that’s what you get. There are so many good drivers with so much experience and they drive these GT3 cars day in day out. Naturally, you see that the margins are very small. I’m getting a bit out of my comfort zone driving this type of car, but I love it. I love competing in all types of categories. As for Alex, I’ve raced with him online. We’ve not yet raced together in real life, but I hope one day we can do that.”
Next year there’s no clash between Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Spa. Might we see you there?
“I love Spa of course, so I’m trying to make it work, as I want to arrive well prepared. I’m going to try my best to be there. It’s close to the Dutch border and I’m also half Belgian. For me it would be nice to join and to race in one of the biggest endurance events of the year.”
Finally, what’s the objective for this weekend?
“To have fun, obviously, but also the competitive animal wants to do well, right? We’re here to win. That’s always the target.”
1:18 and 1:43 scale models of the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing car and Max’s GT3 helmet (1:2 and 1:4) are available: https://store.verstappen.com/en/c-17522
Schedule GT World Challenge Endurance Cup - Portimão, Portugal
Thursday 15 October: 12:50-14.50 Test
Friday 16 October: 09.45-11.15 Free practice 1
Friday 16 October: 13.45-15.15 Free practice 2
Friday 16 October: 18.55-20.05 Qualifying
Saturday 17 October: 18.00-21.00 Race
Times in CEST
