Skip to content
Max Verstappen to race in GT World Challenge Portimao
Image: Motorsport.com

Max Verstappen to race in GT World Challenge Portimao

Max Verstappen is set to compete in the season-ending 2026 GT World Challenge at Portimao, Portugal, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3. This appearance marks a rare break from his Formula 1 commitments, following a successful weekend in Singapore in the F1 calendar.

The Dutch driver, known primarily for his Formula 1 career, recently raced against Charles Leclerc on 11 October 2026, highlighting his active presence in top-tier motorsport this season. His participation in the GT World Challenge adds variety to his racing portfolio beyond the F1 circuit.

The GT World Challenge at Portimao represents the final event of the season, offering a different challenge on the Portuguese track. Verstappen's involvement brings increased attention to the GT series, as he steps away temporarily from his usual F1 schedule.

Following the GT World Challenge, Verstappen is expected to return to Formula 1 duties, where he continues to compete at the highest level. His engagement in both series underscores his commitment to racing across disciplines and maintaining competitive form throughout the year.

About this story

Latest result

Formula 1Max VerstappenCharles LeclercScore, line-ups and where to watch
More Motorsport news
  • Max Verstappen aims to win in GT World Challenge Europe debut

    Max Verstappen aims to win in GT World Challenge Europe debut

    Max Verstappen is set to make his debut in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Portimao, bringing his competitive drive from Formula 1 to the new racing series. The four-time Formula 1 world champion has expressed clear ambitions to win in his first race in the GT category, signalling a strong intent to succeed beyond his established single-seater career.

  • Bernie Collins highlights Verstappen's resilience amid radio issues

    Bernie Collins highlights Verstappen's resilience amid radio issues

    Max Verstappen demonstrated exceptional control and focus during the recent race at Marina Bay despite experiencing a one-way radio communication failure. The issue limited his ability to receive team instructions, but he maintained his lead and secured victory. Verstappen had earlier secured pole position and won the sprint race at the same circuit, underscoring his dominance throughout the event.

  • Max Verstappen marks Singapore GP win with engineer Lambiase

    Max Verstappen marks Singapore GP win with engineer Lambiase

    Max Verstappen celebrated a significant milestone by winning the Singapore Grand Prix, a victory made more memorable by the presence of his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, who is set to leave the team. The four-time Formula 1 champion secured his second win of the season in a commanding performance at the event held on 11 October.

  • Rossi cautious of Verstappen challenge at Portimao finale

    Rossi cautious of Verstappen challenge at Portimao finale

    Valentino Rossi has expressed concern about the challenge posed by Max Verstappen as they prepare to compete together at the Portimao season finale in the GT World Challenge Europe. Verstappen, known for his Formula 1 success, is making his debut in this series and will be one of the many drivers on the grid this weekend.

  • Verstappen and Red Bull show strong form ahead of 2027 season

    Verstappen and Red Bull show strong form ahead of 2027 season

    Max Verstappen has secured two wins in the last three Formula 1 Grands Prix, demonstrating a strong return to form for both himself and the Red Bull team. At the recent race in Baku, Verstappen finished just 0.196 seconds behind the leader, signalling a competitive edge as the season progresses. This resurgence, however, arrives too late to significantly impact the current title fight.

  • Max Verstappen maintains focus amid unexciting championship

    Max Verstappen maintains focus amid unexciting championship

    Max Verstappen continued his campaign in the Formula 1 championship with a race against Charles Leclerc on 11 October. Despite the lack of excitement in the series so far, Verstappen remains a key competitor in the field. The race added another chapter to the ongoing battle for supremacy in the championship.