Four-time Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion Max Verstappen is taking on a new challenge during the month of October. He will make his debut in the GT World Challenge Europe.
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Verstappen, who competed in the Nurburgring 24 Hours earlier this year, will take part in the Portimao (Portugal) finale on Oct. 16-18. He will take over the No. 3 Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO along with co-drivers Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
Verstappen has previously shown a willingness to compete in other racing series when they don't conflict with the F1 schedule. This is one reason why he's making his debut in the GT World Challenge Europe.
The other reason is a scheduling conflict. Two Verstappen Racing drivers — Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella — have to focus on the round of the FIA World Endurance Championship that takes place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Photo credit: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool
Gounon drives for Alpine in the WEC's hypercar class. Juncadella drives for Genesis Magma Racing in the WEC.
"Well, I know that two of my drivers won't be part of the line-up, so two other drivers need to step in, and I'm looking forward to it," Verstappen said on Thursday.
"It's going to be a busy seven weeks, but I enjoy it anyway, so yeah, let's see what we can do at Portimao. I love the track and being in Portugal, so we will try to have a good weekend."
This event in Portugal will feature 60 GT3 cars on the grid. They will battle for the win and spots on the podium while competing a three-hour endurance race on the road course.
Verstappen Racing has competed in the GT World Challenge since last season. The team moved up to the Pro class this season while fielding the No. 3 Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO.
The team won the Sprint Cup event at Magny-Cours Circuit in France. It also scored a podium in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup three-hour race at the Nurburgring.
