PORTIMAO — Red Bull star Max Verstappen will use the brief gap between two Formula 1 triple-headers to contest a GT3 race at Portimao, entering the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portugal on 16-18 October where he is set to go up against Valentino Rossi. The additional start stretches the Dutchman to racing on seven weekends in a row during a hectic F1 schedule.
Verstappen will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport under the Verstappen Racing banner. The entry marks the four-time F1 champion's first outing in SRO's GT World Challenge, putting his own operation on the grid for the series finale.
The Portimao round on 16-18 October closes the GT World Challenge Europe season and falls directly between the two triple-headers that define the late-season Formula 1 calendar. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 effort with 2 Seas Motorsport places Verstappen in a competitive GT3 field that includes Rossi.
For Verstappen, the Portugal appearance adds a GT3 commitment without missing Formula 1 duties, keeping the Red Bull driver active across seven consecutive weekends. The Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 will make its SRO debut at the Portuguese finale.