Max Verstappen took to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal this week to complete crucial testing mileage in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 run by his own Verstappen.com Racing team. The four-time Formula 1 world champion devoted several hours to shaking down the team’s new machinery following their switch from their previous GT3 manufacturer. The test session provided Verstappen with valuable track time during the off-season break, just days before Red Bull Racing‘s official 2025 car launch scheduled for 15 January.
Mercedes partnership marks new chapter for Verstappen.com Racing
The GT3 test at Portimão represents a significant milestone for Verstappen’s racing operation, which has elected to partner with Mercedes-AMG for the 2025 season. The decision to switch manufacturers underscores the team’s ambition to compete at the sharp end of GT3 competition while Verstappen balances his primary Formula 1 commitments. The Algarve circuit, with its demanding elevation changes and technical corner sequences, provided an ideal proving ground for the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 platform.
Footage from the test day captured Verstappen preparing for the session and subsequently putting the GT3 machine through its paces on the Portuguese circuit. The car’s livery drew particular attention from observers, featuring a distinctive design that showcased the team’s branding alongside Mercedes-AMG partnership elements.
Critical Formula 1 season looms for Red Bull Racing
While Verstappen dedicates time to his GT3 programme, the 2025 Formula 1 season represents a pivotal year for Red Bull Racing. The Milton Keynes-based outfit will debut their first internally developed power unit in 2026, making the upcoming campaign crucial for chassis development and overall package optimisation. The team must ensure their aerodynamic platform and mechanical foundation remain competitive as they prepare for the seismic technical shift to proprietary powertrains.
Red Bull’s engineering resources face the dual challenge of maintaining championship contention in 2025 whilst simultaneously developing the 2026 power unit architecture. Verstappen’s partnership with new teammate Liam Lawson will be scrutinised as the team navigates this transitional period. The scheduled car launch on 15 January will provide the first glimpse of how Red Bull has interpreted the stable technical regulations for the new season.
Portuguese circuit provides demanding test environment
The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve offers one of Europe’s most challenging track layouts for GT3 testing. Its combination of blind crests, undulating surfaces, and high-speed sections demands precise setup work and driver confidence. Verstappen’s familiarity with the circuit from previous Formula 1 visits in 2020 and 2021 provided valuable reference points for adapting his driving style to the GT3 machinery.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 represents a departure from Verstappen.com Racing’s previous equipment, requiring the team to establish new baseline setups and operating procedures. Test sessions of this nature allow drivers and engineers to accumulate data on tyre behaviour, aerodynamic balance, and mechanical grip characteristics before competitive outings begin.
What this means going forward
Verstappen’s GT3 testing commitment demonstrates his continued passion for racing beyond Formula 1, though his primary focus will inevitably shift toward Red Bull Racing’s preparations in the coming weeks. The team’s car launch on 15 January will signal the beginning of intense pre-season activity, with the first official test session following shortly thereafter. Red Bull’s ability to extract maximum performance from their 2025 challenger whilst developing next year’s revolutionary power unit package will define their immediate trajectory. The reigning world champion’s fifth consecutive title defence begins with pre-season testing in Bahrain, where the true competitive order will start to emerge.
