Max Verstappen took to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve last week for his second outing in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo that will carry his name in 2025. The four-time world champion wasn’t the only driver sampling the car during the Portuguese test session. Sheikh Isa Al Khalifa, Bahraini royalty and co-owner of the team running Verstappen Racing’s GT3 programme, also climbed behind the wheel. The connection between the Dutch champion and the Bahraini prince stems from a unique partnership that has transformed Verstappen’s GT3 ambitions into a competitive racing operation.
Verstappen Racing’s successful GT3 debut season
The team officially known as Verstappen Racing made its competitive debut in 2024, fielding an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup powered by AWS. This championship represents the pinnacle of GT3 racing globally, attracting factory-backed efforts and top-tier talent. Harry King partnered with two of Verstappen’s protégés, Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen, to campaign the British-built machine. Their FIA-determined driver ratings placed them in the Gold Cup category, one tier below the outright Pro class where professional racing drivers compete.
The trio delivered an impressive maiden campaign, securing podium finishes in every race they contested. The highlight came at the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, where they conquered the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, one of endurance racing’s most prestigious events. This consistent performance earned them the Gold Cup title in their debut season, establishing Verstappen Racing as a serious competitor in European GT3 racing. The success validated the programme’s approach and set the foundation for expansion in 2025.
How Verstappen Racing operates without its own crew
Despite carrying the Verstappen name, the team doesn’t maintain its own engineering staff or mechanics. This business model is common practice in GT3 racing, where customer teams frequently partner with established operations to handle technical support and race execution. Verstappen Racing contracted 2 Seas Motorsport to run the Aston Martin throughout 2024, leveraging their expertise and infrastructure.
Similar arrangements exist throughout GT3 racing. Australian entrepreneur Kenny Habul campaigns his SunEnergy1 Racing programme globally, with different technical partners depending on the championship and location. These partnerships allow team owners to compete at the highest level without the massive overhead of maintaining a full-time racing infrastructure. The arrangement provides flexibility and access to experienced personnel who understand the nuances of GT3 regulations and race craft.
For 2025, Verstappen Racing will transition from Aston Martin to Mercedes-AMG machinery, a change that plays directly to 2 Seas Motorsport’s strengths. The British-based team has extensive experience with the Stuttgart manufacturer’s GT3 challenger, making the switch a logical progression for the partnership.
Expanding the programme for 2025
Verstappen Racing’s commitment to GT3 competition intensifies this season with a two-pronged assault on the GT World Challenge Europe. The team will continue in the Endurance Cup with a formidable driver lineup featuring Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella, and Lulham. Gounon brings Mercedes-AMG expertise and race-winning pedigree, while Juncadella adds factory driver experience from his long association with the German manufacturer.
The expansion includes entry into the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup powered by AWS, where Juncadella and Lulham will share driving duties. Sprint Cup rounds feature shorter race formats compared to the three-hour and 24-hour endurance events, requiring different setup philosophies and driver strategies. The dual-programme approach allows Verstappen Racing to maintain visibility throughout the European season while developing both their endurance specialists and sprint race capabilities.
This expansion represents a significant investment in the GT3 programme, demonstrating Verstappen’s commitment to establishing a lasting presence in sportscar racing beyond his Formula 1 career.
The Bahraini connection behind 2 Seas Motorsport
2 Seas Motorsport operates from Towcester in the British Midlands, but the team’s ownership structure bridges continents. Sheikh Isa bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa serves as co-owner, bringing Bahraini investment to the British operation. His royal lineage places him in succession for the Bahraini throne, yet his passion for motorsport sees him actively involved in both team management and driving duties.
The team established its reputation before partnering with Verstappen Racing, securing championships in British GT and competitive results in GT World Challenge events. This proven track record made 2 Seas Motorsport an attractive partner for the Verstappen family when launching their GT3 venture. The relationship combines racing expertise with the infrastructure needed to challenge for major titles.
Al Khalifa’s dual role as team owner and competitor creates a unique dynamic within the organization, with the Bahraini prince bringing both financial backing and on-track speed to the partnership.
Al Khalifa’s racing credentials
Sheikh Isa Al Khalifa isn’t merely a gentleman driver trading on royal status. His racing curriculum vitae includes victories at the wheel of McLaren GT3 machinery before stepping up to tackle the Spa 24 Hours, where Verstappen Racing claimed glory in 2024. The Bahraini royal has demonstrated particular proficiency in endurance racing, capturing the Gulf 12 Hours twice in consecutive years during 2021 and 2022.
These achievements in competitive GT3 fields establish Al Khalifa as a capable racing driver who understands the demands of endurance competition. His experience provides valuable insight for 2 Seas Motorsport’s technical programme and driver coaching initiatives. During the Portimão test session that saw Verstappen sampling the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, Al Khalifa also logged laps in the car, continuing his development ahead of the 2025 season.
Portugal test signals serious 2025 preparations
The Algarve International Circuit test session served multiple purposes for Verstappen Racing and 2 Seas Motorsport. Verstappen’s participation allowed the four-time world champion to familiarize himself with the Mercedes-AMG package, building on his initial test in the car. While his Formula 1 commitments with Red Bull Racing prevent regular GT3 competition, these test sessions keep him connected to the programme bearing his name.
Al Khalifa’s track time focused on preparing for the upcoming season, where he may feature in selected Endurance Cup rounds alongside the team’s professional driver lineup. The Portuguese circuit provided ideal testing conditions, with its combination of high-speed sections and technical corners offering comprehensive data gathering opportunities. Teams use such tests to validate setup directions, evaluate tyre compounds, and refine driver ergonomics before the competitive season begins.
