# Max Verstappen debuts in GT World Challenge Europe

> Max Verstappen makes GT3 debut at Portimao with Valentino Rossi.
- Title: Max Verstappen debuts in GT World Challenge Europe | Shortify
- Summary: Max Verstappen makes GT3 debut at Portimao with Valentino Rossi. Max Verstappen debuts in GT World Challenge Europe with Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3…
- Keywords: max verstappen, gt world challenge europe, portimao, mercedes-amg gt3, verstappen racing, valentino rossi, wec, nurburgring 24 hours, sports, cars, Max, Verstappen
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/gtwce-endurance/news/gtwce-europe-max-verstappen-info-debut-portimao/10864990
- Author: Heiko Stritzke
- Published: 2026-10-13T16:23:39+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: max verstappen, gt world challenge europe, portimao, mercedes-amg gt3, verstappen racing, valentino rossi, wec, nurburgring 24 hours, sports, cars
## Max Verstappen debuts in GT3
Max Verstappen will make his long-awaited debut in GT World Challenge Europe this weekend with Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3.
## Team-mate Chris Lulham joins
Verstappen will share the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with regular team-mate and sim racing friend Chris Lulham and reserve driver Ben Barnicoat.
## First GT3 appearance since Nurburgring
This will be Verstappen's first appearance in a GT3 car since the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours and his championship debut.
## Championship standings
The title was already decided in favour of Maro Engel, Lucas Auer and Luca Stolz at the Nurburgring three-hour race with #48 Winward Mercedes-AMG leading the Endurance Cup.
## Valentino Rossi joins grid
The event will bring together two motorsport giants with Verstappen sharing the grid with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi in #46 WRT BMW M4 GT3.
## Portimao returns after 11 years
GTWC Europe returns to Portimao for the first time since 2015 after an 11-year hiatus from hosting an endurance race in the series.
## Race schedule
The race runs Friday 16 October from 08:45 to 10:15 local time for FP1, 12:45 to 14:15 for FP2, and qualifying at 17:55 to 19:05 local time.
## Race timing
The race will continue into dusk despite the time difference, adding a special atmosphere to the season finale.
## Support races
The GT2 European Series, McLaren Trophy Europe and GT4 European Series will race on Sunday after the main event concludes.
## TV broadcast
The race will be available for free on YouTube via SRO's official channel, GT World.
## Driver absences
Juncadella and Gounon will miss the race due to the WEC round in Barcelona, opening the door for Verstappen to compete.
## Other affected drivers
Other drivers prioritising the WEC round include Maxime Martin, Marco Sorensen, Dan Harper, Sean Gelael, Nicklas Nielsen, Alessio Rovera, Marvin Kirchhofer and Augusto Farfus.
## Nikita Mazepin guest appearance
Former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin will make a guest appearance with the Motopark team.
## Weather forecast
Even in mid-October, warm temperatures are expected with air temperatures around 20C at the finish and no rain during the week.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen debuts in GT World Challenge Europe with Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Portimao.