Verstappen “Here to Win” in GTWC Europe Debut

Photo: SRO/JEP

Max Verstappen has said he’s “here to win” in his GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS championship debut at Portimao this weekend.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion is set to take on his first GTWC race in the season finale on Saturday. Speaking ahead of the event, Verstappen explained that taking victory is “always the target.”

The No. 3 Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo has seen a shuffled driver lineup for this weekend as a result of a calendar clash with the FIA World Endurance Championship round at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Verstappen and Gazoo Racing USA driver Ben Barnicoat join series regular Chris Lulham in the No. 3 machine, replacing Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon.

“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,” said Verstappen.

The Dutchman has spent most of his time behind the wheel of a GT3 car racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, including with an entry at the Nürburgring 24 earlier this year.

“Of course, my references are from the Nürburgring, so it took a bit of time to get used to driving the car at this track. But the Mercedes-AMG is very well-balanced and it has proven over the last few years that it’s also very competitive.

“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,” Verstappen added.

“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.”

The Team Verstappen car is one of several teams to see a revised driver lineup at Portimao as most drivers have chosen to prioritize their FIA WEC commitments in Barcelona.

This has allowed a handful of drivers to make their championship debut this weekend, including British Touring Car Championship race winner Daryl de Leon.

Verstappen Still Working on Targeted 24H Spa Debut

The F1 champion has been the subject of much speculation regarding his GT racing commitments for next year as major endurance racing events such as the Nürburgring 24 and the 24 Hours of Spa will not clash with the F1 calendar in 2027.

He previously told F1 media that Spa would be an “exciting option” for next year.

When asked about his interest in racing in the Belgian endurance classic for the first time, Verstappen said: “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.”

Finlay Ringer

Finlay Ringer is a freelance motorsport journalist covering the 24H Series for Sportscar365. He is also a journalism student at City St George's, University of London, and has contributed to publications such as The Race and Autocar.