Max Verstappen will make his GT World Challenge Europe debut at Portimão on Saturday 17 October. The four-time Formula 1 World Champion joins his own team’s line-up for the season finale, sharing the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
WEC clash opens the door
Regular drivers Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon will be competing in the World Endurance Championship that weekend, which leaves two seats to fill in the Algarve. Verstappen has therefore put himself and Barnicoat forward as substitutes.
‘I love the track’
Despite a demanding schedule ahead, Verstappen is relishing the opportunity. “It is going to be a busy seven weeks, but I will enjoy it,” he said. “Let’s see what we can do at Portimão. I love the track and being in Portugal, so we will try to have a good weekend.”
Barnicoat instead of Palou
IndyCar champion Alex Palou had been rumoured to race alongside Verstappen at Portimão, but instead the seat goes to Barnicoat. The Briton is a former IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD champion and finished second in the British GT Championship last weekend.
Palou, meanwhile, has his own GT3 commitment lined up. The five-time and reigning IndyCar Series champion returns to sports car racing at the Indianapolis 8 Hour on 9-11 October. He joins title hopeful Luca Stolz and Mercedes-AMG Junior Lin Hodenius in the #80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the Intercontinental GT Challenge event.
