Verstappen Racing Signs Multi-Year Deal With Mercedes AMG For GT3

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen was recently linked with rumors of a potential move from Red Bull Racing to Mercedes. While speculation suggested talks with the Petronas F1 team, clarity has now emerged regarding his association with Mercedes in a different capacity. Verstappen's outfit, Verstappen Racing, has signed a multi-year agreement with Mercedes-AMG to compete in the GT World Challenge Europe starting in 2026. The partnership will see the team transition from Aston Martin machinery to the Mercedes-AMG GT3. This development follows Verstappen's test of the GT3 car at Estoril, a session that hinted at the forthcoming collaboration and has now been confirmed as part of the official deal.

Under the new partnership, Verstappen Racing will remain active in the GT World Challenge Europe, continuing the momentum built ahead of the 2025 season. That year marked a significant expansion for the team, as it entered both the Sprint and Endurance Cups for the first time in collaboration with 2 Seas Motorsport. In the Endurance Cup, the driving responsibilities were shared by Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham, and Harry King, who competed in an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo, showcasing the team's growing presence in international GT racing.

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Reports suggest Verstappen Racing will remain active in both Sprint and Endurance categories under its new Mercedes partnership, running a single Mercedes-AMG GT3. In the Sprint Cup, Chris Lulham is expected to share driving duties with Daniel Juncadella, known for his role as Aston Martin's Formula 1 simulator driver. Meanwhile, the Endurance Cup lineup is reportedly set to include Jules Gounon, adding further strength to the team's expanded presence in GT World Challenge Europe.

Mercedes customer racing head Stefan Wendl said, "We are delighted that Verstappen Racing has chosen to compete in the GT World Challenge Europe with a Mercedes-AMG GT3. The project is supported by 2 Seas Motorsport, a very experienced team that has already achieved numerous successes and championship titles with our car."

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Adding further, he also commented- "We are therefore very pleased with this extremely ambitious and promising project, with top-level participation in both the Sprint and Endurance programs of the GT World Challenge Europe."

Supported by factory resources, guided by an experienced partner, and strengthened by a proven driver roster, Verstappen Racing's move to Mercedes-AMG underscores its determined ambitions for the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe campaign.