Max Verstappen Makes GT World Challenge Europe Debut, Targets Win at Portimao
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- Max Verstappen akan menjalani balapan pertamanya di GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup di Portimao, Portugal, akhir pekan ini.
- Ia bergabung dengan Verstappen Racing mengendarai Mercedes-AMG GT3 setelah bentrok jadwal dengan WEC, dan telah menyelesaikan sesi tes dua jam dengan catatan waktu tercepat kedua.
- Verstappen menegaskan targetnya adalah menang, sekaligus mengonfirmasi rencana tampil di Spa 24 Hours 2027.
Max Verstappen will begin a new chapter in his racing career with a debut appearance in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal, this weekend. The four-time Formula 1 world champion is driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Verstappen Racing, and he has immediately set a high target: winning the race.
Verstappen's decision to enter GTWC Europe came about because of a schedule clash between the GT World Challenge Europe and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The team's regular drivers, Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, had to fulfill commitments in Barcelona, so the empty seat was offered to Verstappen. "I always enjoy being in Portugal and have spent time here with friends and family. When I saw the clash, I thought, 'I don't mind filling that seat!' It's a brilliant circuit and a great environment for fans and families," Verstappen said, as quoted by Motorsport.com on Thursday night after completing a two-hour test session.
In that test session, Verstappen and his teammates, Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat, were second fastest, behind only another Mercedes-AMG GT3 driven by Ralf Aron, Maximilian Gotz, and Fabian Schiller of GetSpeed. The result shows that Verstappen's adaptation to the GT3 car, which is much heavier than an F1 car, has gone smoothly, though he admitted he needs time to get used to it.
The transition from an F1 car to a GT3 is no easy matter. Verstappen said his previous reference point was the Nurburgring Nordschleife, so he needed time to adapt to the character of the Algarve circuit. "This Mercedes-AMG GT3 is very balanced and has proven competitive in recent years. Today we were just fine-tuning a few details. The weather is still quite hot for this time of the season, so that also has to be taken into account," he explained.
Competition in GTWC Europe is known to be very tight. Around 20 cars have a chance of taking victory in each round of the Endurance Cup. Verstappen is aware of that. "The level is very high. I have raced against some of the drivers since I was young. Some are older, but they have achieved a lot around the world. The margins are very small. I am a little outside my comfort zone with this car, but I love it. I enjoy competing in different categories," he said.
"We are here to win. That has always been the target." — Max Verstappen
The race at Portimao is also a reunion for Verstappen with former rivals. Ben Barnicoat once competed against him in international karting in 2012, alongside Charles Leclerc, Dennis Olsen, Antonio Fuoco, Anthoine Hubert, and Nicklas Nielsen. Chris Lulham, meanwhile, is Verstappen's partner in the sim racing world who has now moved into real racing. "Chris is someone who has worked with me for a long time in sim racing and now he is here competing for real. Every race he improves, gains more experience, and proves himself among the top drivers," Verstappen said.
Verstappen also highlighted the potential for a duel with IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who has just appeared in GT3 at the Indy 8 Hour. Although the two have never raced each other directly, Verstappen hopes they can meet on track one day. "I have raced against him online. We have never been together in the real world, but I hope one day it can happen," he said.
Looking ahead, Verstappen has confirmed his intention to compete in the 2027 Spa 24 Hours, when the F1 schedule no longer clashes with the prestigious GT event. "I love Spa, so I am trying to arrange it so I can come with proper preparation. I will try as hard as I can to be there. Spa is close to the Dutch border and I am also half Belgian. It would be nice to take part in one of the biggest endurance races of the year," he concluded.
With clear ambition and rapid adaptation, Verstappen's debut in GTWC Europe is one to look forward to. Will he score a win straight away on a challenging track, or will the experienced GT3 drivers spring a surprise? The three-hour race on Saturday night will provide the answer.
