Max Verstappen’s growing presence in GT racing has taken another major step, with Verstappen Racing confirming a switch to Mercedes-AMG machinery for the 2026 season. The sportscar team run by the four-time Formula 1 world champion has signed a multi-year partnership with the German manufacturer, marking a significant shift in its GT ambitions.
From 2026 onwards, Verstappen Racing will compete in both the Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup of the GT World Challenge Europe, fielding a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in each championship.
Mercedes-AMG Partnership Confirmed
The move follows Verstappen’s own private test of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Estoril earlier this month, an outing that is understood to have played a key role in finalising the agreement. The switch ends a short but varied period where Verstappen Racing ran Aston Martin and Ferrari machinery across different GT programmes.
Mercedes-AMG’s customer racing boss Stefan Wendl welcomed the deal, highlighting the ambition of the project and the strength of the operational team behind it.
The programme will once again be run by 2 Seas Motorsport, the Anglo-Bahraini outfit led by Verstappen’s close friend Nick Cristofaro, which has extensive experience with Mercedes GT cars and a proven record in international GT competition.
Driver Line-Ups for 2026
In the Sprint Cup, sim racing standout Chris Lulham will return for a second season, this time partnering Daniel Juncadella, who is also set to race in the Hypercar category with Genesis. The pairing blends virtual-to-real-world talent with extensive GT experience.
The Endurance Cup entry will see Lulham and Juncadella joined by Mercedes factory driver Jules Gounon, forming a strong three-driver line-up capable of challenging at the front of the field in long-distance races.
A Step Toward the Nürburgring 24 Hours?
The Mercedes deal also aligns with Verstappen’s long-term goal of competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The Dutchman is believed to be targeting a driving entry in the iconic endurance race as early as next year, with Winward Racing — one of Mercedes’ most successful GT outfits — understood to be his preferred partner for the Eifel classic.
Verstappen already tasted success in endurance racing earlier this year, winning on his NLS debut at the Nürburgring while sharing an Emil Frey Ferrari 296 GT3 with Lulham.
What This Means for Verstappen Racing
Switching to Mercedes-AMG represents a strategic consolidation for Verstappen Racing:
- Access to a well-established GT3 platform
- Strong factory support and driver depth
- A clearer pathway toward major endurance events, including the Nürburgring 24 Hours
Interestingly, the announcement made no reference to Thierry Vermeulen, Verstappen’s long-time protégé who has carried Verstappen Racing colours in DTM over the past three seasons — leaving questions over future plans in that category.
Verstappen’s Growing GT Vision
While Formula 1 remains Max Verstappen’s primary focus, his involvement in GT racing — both as a team owner and increasingly as a driver — continues to deepen. The move to Mercedes-AMG signals that Verstappen Racing is no longer a side project, but a serious long-term motorsport operation with ambitions beyond supporting roles.
As 2026 approaches, Verstappen’s influence across multiple racing disciplines is only set to grow.
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