Max Verstappen‘s personal GT racing outfit has announced a landmark equipment switch that will see the squad campaign Mercedes machinery from 2026 onwards. Verstappen Racing will transition to the German manufacturer’s GT3 platform for its assault on the GT World Challenge Europe series, marking a significant strategic shift for the four-time Formula 1 world champion’s customer racing programme. The multi-year partnership was officially confirmed following tests at Estoril last week, where the Dutchman was photographed sampling the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time.
Strategic alliance with proven championship contender
The arrangement pairs Verstappen Racing with Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, a division that has accumulated extensive silverware across GT endurance and sprint categories. The team will benefit from technical support through 2 Seas Motorsport, an experienced Mercedes customer squad with multiple championship victories to its name. This operational structure mirrors successful partnerships elsewhere in the GT World Challenge Europe paddock, where manufacturer backing combined with specialist team expertise has proven the formula for consistent competitiveness.
Stefan Wendl, representing Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration. The manufacturer sees strategic value in aligning with a programme bearing the Verstappen name, particularly as GT racing continues to attract Formula 1 drivers seeking additional competitive opportunities beyond their primary commitments. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has demonstrated race-winning pace across diverse circuit configurations, from the high-speed straights of Spa-Francorchamps to the technical demands of the Nürburgring.
Continuation for proven partnership
Chris Lulham will remain part of the programme after securing a notable victory alongside Verstappen at the Nürburgring Nordschleife endurance event last September. That triumph on one of motorsport’s most demanding circuits showcased both drivers’ adaptability beyond their primary disciplines. Lulham’s first season in GT3 machinery provided valuable experience that will prove essential as the team transitions to new equipment.
The British driver acknowledged the significance of the manufacturer switch and the professional structure surrounding the 2026 campaign. Working with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport represents a step up in technical resources and operational support compared to many customer racing programmes. Lulham emphasised his eagerness to apply lessons learned during his debut GT3 season to the new platform, particularly regarding tyre management and strategic race craft across the championship’s varied formats.
Expanding grid presence and driver lineup
Recent reports suggest Verstappen Racing is finalising agreements with two additional drivers to strengthen its GT World Challenge Europe entry. Expanding to a multi-car operation would align with the team’s stated ambitions and mirror the approach taken by several leading GT programmes. A two-car effort provides strategic flexibility during endurance rounds, where sister cars can support each other through strategic positioning and tyre allocation decisions.
The timing of the Mercedes switch coincides with the manufacturer’s ongoing development of its next-generation GT3 platform, which will incorporate lessons learned from recent championship campaigns. Teams transitioning to Mercedes machinery for 2026 will benefit from this evolutionary refinement whilst maintaining regulatory continuity with the current technical regulations. The GT3 category’s Balance of Performance system aims to equalise machinery across manufacturers, placing emphasis on driver skill and strategic execution rather than outright equipment advantages.
What this means going forward
Verstappen Racing’s manufacturer alignment represents the final piece in its GT World Challenge Europe preparation puzzle ahead of the 2026 season opener. Pre-season testing will prove critical as drivers and engineers familiarise themselves with the Mercedes-AMG GT3’s handling characteristics, aerodynamic behaviour, and optimal setup windows across different circuit types. The championship’s calendar spans iconic European venues from Monza to Paul Ricard, each presenting distinct technical challenges that require precise car configuration.
The partnership also positions Verstappen’s customer racing operation within Mercedes-AMG’s broader motorsport ecosystem, potentially opening pathways for technical knowledge exchange and shared development priorities. As GT racing continues to attract high-profile driver involvement and manufacturer investment, establishing ties with proven championship-winning programmes becomes increasingly valuable for teams targeting podium finishes and title contention.
