Max Verstappen’s thriller Mercedes GT3 Estoril check

It got here as an enormous shock when Max Verstappen took to the Estoril circuit in Portugal on Tuesday aboard a Mercedes-AMG GT3 from 2 Seas Motorsport. However there’s a severe background to this look and it may additionally have an effect on the four-time Components 1 world champion’s entry within the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours.

Behind 2 Seas Motorsport, which fielded an Aston Martin within the 2025 GT World Problem Europe endurance collection beneath the Verstappen.com Racing banner, is Nick Cristofaro, a detailed pal of Verstappen. Additionally it is believed that the British-Bahraini squad will turn out to be Mercedes-AMG’s new efficiency workforce in 2026 and can implement the Verstappen.com Racing venture within the GTWCE.

The cockpit shall be occupied by AMG works driver Jules Gounon, who additionally examined in Estoril, Verstappen’s Nordschleife workforce companion and sim racer Chris Lulham, and former AMG works driver Daniel Juncadella.

However why is Verstappen.com Racing instantly specializing in Mercedes-AMG? And what does this should do with Verstappen’s plans for the 24-hour race?

Verstappen within the Winward Mercedes on the Nurburgring 24 Hours

One argument in favour of Mercedes-AMG is that Lulham is known to want the mature GT3 automotive developed by HWA quite than the Ferrari 296 GT3 utilized by the Emil Frey workforce, with which the Briton and Verstappen celebrated their NLS victory on the Nordschleife in September. 

Motorsport.com understands that Winward can also be Verstappen’s first selection, with it being one of many extra established Mercedes-AMG racing groups because of its DTM involvement and is planning to make its debut on the 24-hour traditional in 2026.

However whether or not it’s potential for Verstappen to contest subsequent yr’s Nurburgring 24 Hours remains to be unknown, because the Dutchman mentioned throughout October’s Singapore Grand Prix weekend that this might depend upon “loads of issues”.

“It is determined by F1 to begin with, I am suspecting that with the foundations subsequent yr it’ll be very difficult to start out with, some unknowns anyway,” he added, citing the incoming regulation change.

“It most likely shall be somewhat bit extra hectic than the tip of a regulation the place issues are a bit extra easy. Plus, there’s additionally the programme of the GT3 workforce, which automotive we’re going to race subsequent yr and stuff like that, so loads of issues that also have to come back collectively earlier than I can actually plan it nicely upfront for simply my drivers already within the workforce, plus myself.

“We wish to be again there, I simply do not know in the mean time what number of races I can do subsequent yr, but when there is a chance and I be ok with it, plus no matter is going on in F1, then for certain.”

NLS overlaps with F1 is a hurdle

The Nurburgring calendar poses main challenges: whereas the date of the 24-hour enduro (14-17 Could) doesn’t conflict with an F1 weekend, all three NLS preparatory races and the 24-hour qualifiers overlap.

The ADAC Nordrhein, which is accountable for internet hosting the qualifiers weekend and the 24-hour race, has dominated out suspending the qualifiers regardless of alleged efforts by Verstappen’s entourage – which means Verstappen’s hopes can be restricted to the three NLS dates.

Motorsport.com has realized that the 28-year-old would solely compete within the 24-hour race if he can no less than full NLS1, the primary of eight weekends within the NLS on 14 March, which clashes with the Chinese language Grand Prix.

However NLS boss Mike Jager has not dominated out date adjustments, even when it’s not associated to Verstappen’s efforts. As an alternative, that’s as a result of pressure on groups, as the present schedule has 5 NLS races (NLS1 to three plus the 2 qualifier races) happening inside 37 days.

“It isn’t perfect that we’ve 50% of the championship races for your complete season earlier than the 24-hour race – however there isn’t any different possibility given the present circumstances,” he mentioned. “If there’s something that may be modified, we might be completely satisfied to take action. However that is still to be seen.”

Jager added: “We’d like to have him [Verstappen] again in our racing collection as a result of I recognize his down-to-earth method and since I consider that he and his whole entourage have a optimistic affect on our racing collection.”

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– The Motorsport.com Workforce