Verstappen steps in for GT3 return at Portimão
Max Verstappen will return to GT3 competition later this month, stepping in for the final round of the GT World Challenge at Portimão after a calendar clash disrupted his team’s driver line-up.
The four-time champion has contested several GT events over the past year, most notably the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May. His previous endurance outings have been at the Nordschleife with his own squad, but this time he will take on a substitute role at the Portuguese circuit.
Portimão’s place on the schedule coincides with the six-hour World Endurance Championship race in Barcelona, leaving two of Verstappen’s regular drivers unavailable. The circuit is also set for a Formula 1 return in 2027; read more about Portimão’s F1 return.
Verstappen takes a place in the line-up
With the clash affecting his team’s options, Verstappen has put himself forward to compete. He said two of his drivers would be absent and that replacements were needed, adding that he was looking forward to the event despite a busy stretch ahead.
“It’s going to be a busy seven weeks, but we’ll do it, and I enjoy it anyway,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. “Let’s see what we can do there.”
The decision gives Verstappen another opportunity to race GT machinery, while also helping his squad respond to the scheduling change. He acknowledged that he would have preferred his regular drivers to be available, but said the calendar had shifted and that was acceptable.
Alonso not joining Verstappen’s team
The announcement came amid questions about Fernando Alonso’s future plans. After confirming his stay with Aston Martin for 2027, the two-time champion had suggested that more surprises could follow in the coming weeks.
Verstappen was clear that Alonso would not be joining his line-up. “No, he’s not driving with me,” he said, adding that he did not know what Alonso meant and that, from his side, the plans were clear.
Verstappen also made clear that he is pleased to be heading to Portugal. “I love Portimão. I love being in Portugal. So we’ll try and have a good weekend.”
His return is therefore a practical response to the driver availability created by the clash, as well as a chance to compete at a circuit he says he enjoys. The focus now turns to what the team can achieve in the GT World Challenge finale with Verstappen among its substitutes.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.