Verstappen tests GT3 as Portugal confirms F1 return.
Two Mercedes-AMG GT3s adorned in Red Bull liveries
Max Verstappen has quickly shifted focus following the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season, heading to Portugal for a new motorsport challenge. Just over a week after the Abu Dhabi finale, the four-time world champion tested a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time at Estoril. The car was run by 2 Seas Motorsport, which already manages Verstappen.com Racing’s GT program and has strong connections to Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
This test has sparked paddock speculation that Verstappen.com Racing may be preparing to transition from Ferrari to Mercedes-AMG GT3 equipment in the GT World Challenge Europe, possibly moving up to the Pro class. Two Mercedes-AMG GT3s in Red Bull colors, numbered 33 and 333, were spotted on the track, while Verstappen also completed comparison laps in the Ferrari 296 GT3, which he drove to victory in the Nurburgring Endurance Series earlier this year.
Mercedes-AMG factory driver Jules Gounon lent his assistance during the Estoril test, heightening speculation regarding a fully supported Pro entry. Verstappen has consistently mentioned that competing in the Nurburgring 24 Hours is a significant aspiration, although he might delay his debut in the iconic race until 2027 as he navigates the new regulations for Formula 1 in 2026.
In a related development, Portugal has secured a confirmed return to the F1 calendar. Formula 1 announced a two-year agreement, allowing Portimao to host grands prix in 2027 and 2028, likely due to the sport’s newer flexible, rotating-venue model utilized with Spa. "The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix have reached unprecedented levels," stated F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, noting that Portimao’s layout "provides on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag."
Lastly, the organisers of Madrid's new circuit have addressed ongoing concerns regarding its readiness for 2026. A statement from Madring confirmed that construction has progressed rapidly, with work on the pit building at IFEMA now underway and the initial layers of asphalt already laid around the circuit. "Madring is taking shape ahead of 2026," the organisers affirmed.
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