Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen isn’t just dipping his toes in the water for his GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup debut in Portimao. He’s diving in headfirst, declaring his competitive ambitions with a straightforward, chilling message for the rest of the grid: “We’re here to win.” That’s the mindset as he finished his first two-hour test session second-fastest, making a serious statement right out of the gate.
The F1 Champ Switches Gears and Sets the Pace
Verstappen, usually tearing up F1 tracks for Red Bull, is sliding into the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Verstappen Racing this weekend at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. This wasn’t some long-planned move; a scheduling clash for regular drivers Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, who had commitments in Barcelona, opened the door. And Max, ever the racer, didn’t hesitate. He loves Portugal, loves the track, and jumped at the chance to step in, even calling it a “brilliant track and a great environment.” Joining him in the cockpit are teammates Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. Their #3 entry immediately showed pace, finishing the test session P2, only trailing another Mercedes-AMG GT3 run by GetSpeed. Sure, he’s transitioning from a much lighter F1 single-seater to the heavier GT3 machinery, and it took a bit to adjust his Nurburgring Nordschleife references to the new circuit. But Verstappen noted the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is “very well-balanced” and “very competitive,” already fine-tuning details despite the unseasonably hot conditions.
High Stakes, Tight Margins, and Familiar Faces
This isn’t some casual Sunday drive for Verstappen. He knows the GTWC Europe series is no joke, packed with about 20 entries all capable of challenging for overall victory in an Endurance Cup round. He’s up against seasoned pros who drive these GT3 cars day in and day out, some of whom he even raced against when they were kids. The level is “very high,” he admits, with “so many good drivers with so much experience.” He’s getting “a bit out of my comfort zone,” but you can tell he loves it. “I love competing in all types of categories,” he said, acknowledging that the margins are incredibly small. The weekend also brings a reunion with old karting rival Ben Barnicoat, who raced against Verstappen in 2012, alongside names like Charles Leclerc and Anthoine Hubert.
With the Portimao season finale upon us, Max Verstappen is clearly not content to simply participate. He’s shown immediate speed, he’s got a winning mentality, and he’s ready to push the limits against the best in GT racing. Keep your eyes locked on that #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3; this weekend could get wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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