Verstappen and Rossi Set for Historic GT3 Encounter

Formula 1 star Max Verstappen will return to GT3 racing this weekend, sharing the track with nine-time motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Valentino Rossi at the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portimão, Portugal.

The three-hour endurance race takes place on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.

It will mark the first time Verstappen and Rossi compete against each other in the same race, bringing together two of motorsport's most recognisable champions.

Verstappen will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for his own Verstappen Racing operation, while Rossi will compete in a BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Team WRT.

Both entries are competing in the highly competitive Pro category.

Four Formula 1 world titles. Nine motorcycle racing world titles. One GT3 starting grid.

Verstappen Takes the Wheel of Mercedes-AMG GT3

Fresh from consecutive Formula 1 victories at Sepang and Singapore, Verstappen is using his brief break from F1 to return to endurance racing.

The Dutchman will compete in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, operated by 2 Seas Motorsport under the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing banner.

His confirmed teammates are Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.

The race marks Verstappen's debut in GT World Challenge Europe, adding another championship to his growing sports car racing experience.

His previous GT3 appearance came at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May.

Despite an already demanding Formula 1 calendar, Verstappen remains committed to competing in different motorsport disciplines.

The Portimão appearance also means he will participate in racing events across seven consecutive weekends.

From Formula 1 to GT3 — Verstappen's racing schedule shows no signs of slowing down.

Valentino Rossi Ready for F1 Champion Challenge

Across the garage, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is preparing for another major endurance racing challenge.

The Italian retired from MotoGP at the end of 2021 before establishing himself in international GT racing.

At Portimão, Rossi will drive the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO alongside Max Hesse and Neil Verhagen for Team WRT.

The seven-time premier-class motorcycle World Champion has gained extensive experience in GT World Challenge Europe and endurance racing since switching to four wheels.

Rossi has welcomed the opportunity to compete against Verstappen, recognising the Dutchman's speed and ability to adapt to GT machinery.

Although both drivers will share the same grid, their actual on-track battle will depend on race strategy, driver changes and their respective positions.

Two legends from different racing disciplines. Now competing on equal GT3 regulations.

A Motorsport Crossover Worth Watching

For Winbox Racing, the Portimão showdown represents an exciting example of how racing talent can cross between different motorsport disciplines.

Verstappen's move from Formula 1 into GT3 and Rossi's transition from MotoGP to endurance racing highlight the versatility required to compete at the highest levels.

The event also demonstrates the growing appeal of GT3 racing, where professional drivers from different championships compete using production-based racing machinery.

While Verstappen and Rossi are among the biggest names on the grid, endurance racing demands much more than individual speed.

Teamwork, pit-stop execution, traffic management and consistent lap times will all play crucial roles in determining the result.

F1 champion versus MotoGP legend. Mercedes versus BMW.

Portimão is ready for one of motorsport's most anticipated crossover battles of 2026.

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