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Max Verstappen could return to GT3 racing at the end of 2026, with reports suggesting the Red Bull driver has identified IndyCar champion Alex Palou as his preferred teammate for a potential appearance at Portimão.
According to RacingNews365, a “persistent rumour” indicates that Verstappen is considering the final round of the GT World Challenge, scheduled for the weekend of October 16–18. If the entry goes ahead, the four-time Formula 1 champion would reportedly return to the Mercedes-AMG GT3.
The possibility would extend Verstappen’s growing involvement in sports car racing. He has competed in NLS races at the Nürburgring in 2025 and 2026, as well as this year’s 24-hour race at the circuit. His interest in GT3 competition has also been sharpened by his criticism of the 2026 F1 regulations. Verstappen has said that GT3 feels “2,000 times better” than Formula 1, underlining the strength of his frustration with the current direction of the championship.
The Dutchman has nevertheless demonstrated notable pace in the category and is believed to be considering another appearance later this year. The latest report points to Portimão as the likely venue, although neither the race entry nor the driver line-up has been confirmed.
Chris Lulham is expected to join Verstappen in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, but the third seat remains open. Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, described as regulars, have WEC commitments that weekend and would therefore likely be unavailable.
That has placed Palou firmly in the conversation. RacingNews365 reports that the Spaniard has been “making the rounds” as the team evaluates its options, while Verstappen is “said to have expressed a preference” for the IndyCar champion to complete the line-up.
Palou would be available after the end of his IndyCar campaign at Laguna Seca. He has already secured his fifth championship since 2021 and fourth consecutive title, while also adding oval victories to his record, including his first Indy 500 win in 2026.
His sports car experience further strengthens the appeal of the pairing. Palou has competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona four times and raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, finishing seventh in the Hypercar class with Cadillac. Verstappen, meanwhile, has long wanted to compete at Le Mans.
For now, the Portimão entry remains only a rumour. But if Verstappen, Lulham and Palou do share the Mercedes-AMG GT3, it would create one of the most compelling driver combinations in the event. The move would also add another chapter to Verstappen’s increasingly visible interest in racing beyond Formula 1—a direction reflected in his willingness to wait until 2030 for a possible F1 V8 return, as reported here.
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.