Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen is preparing to make his debut at the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup this weekend at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. The four-time world champion does not hide his competitive ambitions, seeking a victory with his team Verstappen Racing.
Verstappen will drive car number three, a Mercedes-AMG GT3, in the season finale. His entry into the championship has come due to a scheduling conflict with the World Endurance Championship, which has required the presence of regular drivers like Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon in Barcelona.
After a two-hour test session, Verstappen expressed his enthusiasm for the circuit, noting that he has always enjoyed being in Portugal. ‘It’s a fantastic track and a great atmosphere for fans and families,’ said the Dutch driver.
In his first tests with the car, Verstappen showed good pace, finishing the session as the second fastest, just behind another Mercedes-AMG GT3 from the GetSpeed team. Transitioning from a Formula 1 single-seater to a GT3 vehicle requires adjustment, but Verstappen noted that the car offers good balance and is very competitive.
The driver remarked that the level of competition in GTWC Europe is extremely high, with around twenty vehicles capable of fighting for victory in each round of the Endurance Cup. This, according to him, explains the appeal of competing in this championship and the wide range of experienced drivers participating.
Furthermore, Verstappen’s debut in GTWC Europe reunites him with former rivals, such as Ben Barnicoat, whom he raced against in karts in 2012. These connections, along with his collaboration with Chris Lulham, add an emotional bonus to his participation in this event.
Looking ahead, Verstappen has expressed interest in participating in the Spa 24 Hours in 2027, hoping there will be no conflict with his Formula 1 calendar. ‘I love Spa and I want to arrive well prepared,’ concluded the driver, who faces Saturday’s race with a clear goal of winning.
‘We are here to win, that’s always the goal,’ he stated. On Saturday evening, the Dutch driver wants to showcase his potential in the first of many races he hopes to take on in the GT world.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_585b332e9d00cd07ec6042c1c3f6d43841bcf3e7