Max Verstappen Reportedly Set for Mercedes GT3 Return as Team Searches for High-Profile Teammate

Max Verstappen could be preparing for another appearance in the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 later this year, with the Dutch Formula 1 champion reportedly expected to compete in the final round of the GT World Challenge season.

According to persistent speculation within the GT racing community, Verstappen may return to the cockpit at Portimão in Portugal from October 16 to 18. The event will mark the final round of the GT World Challenge, and Verstappen’s potential participation would provide another indication of his growing commitment to GT3 competition alongside his demanding Formula 1 career.

If the reported plans go ahead, Verstappen is expected to share the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham. However, the identity of the third driver has yet to be confirmed, leaving an interesting vacancy in the team’s lineup.

Two drivers who have regularly competed with Verstappen Racing during this year’s endurance events may not be available for the Portimão race. Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon are reportedly expected to have commitments in the World Endurance Championship at the same time.

Their potential absence has created an opportunity for the team to bring in another high-profile driver. Several candidates are believed to have been considered, but one name has attracted particular attention: Alex Palou.

Alex Palou Considered as a Potential Teammate

Palou is regarded as one of the biggest names in American open-wheel racing and has established himself as a leading figure in IndyCar.

The Spanish driver is reportedly being considered for the vacant seat alongside Verstappen and Lulham. From a scheduling perspective, the timing could work in his favor. By the time the GT World Challenge reaches Portugal in October, the IndyCar season will already have concluded, meaning Palou should be available to take part in the event.

His availability, combined with his experience and reputation, could make him an attractive option for Verstappen Racing.

Reports suggest that Verstappen himself would like to see Palou selected for the third seat. The Dutchman is believed to have expressed a preference for the IndyCar star, although there is currently no confirmation that the team will ultimately follow his wishes.

The decision is expected to depend on a number of factors, including driver availability, contractual arrangements and the team’s plans for the event.

Should Palou join the lineup, the combination of Verstappen, Lulham and Palou would create a particularly interesting driver pairing. All three come from different racing backgrounds, and bringing together experience from Formula 1, GT racing and IndyCar could produce an intriguing combination.

Verstappen’s Growing GT3 Commitment

A return to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 would be another demonstration of how seriously Verstappen is taking his GT racing project.

Although Formula 1 remains his primary commitment, the Dutchman has become increasingly involved in endurance and GT competition. His Verstappen Racing project has allowed him to explore another side of motorsport while continuing to compete at the highest level in F1.

Earlier this year, Verstappen enjoyed a successful partnership with Juncadella and Gounon in GT3 competition. Their performances demonstrated that the project is not simply a recreational venture for the reigning Formula 1 star.

Verstappen has repeatedly shown an interest in different forms of motorsport, and GT racing provides him with the opportunity to compete in longer events while working closely with experienced endurance specialists.

His possible appearance at Portimão would therefore fit naturally into his broader racing ambitions.

However, the timing would also create an extremely demanding schedule for the Dutch driver.

A Brutal Three-Week Schedule

If Verstappen does compete in Portugal, he will have to manage an exceptionally busy period of racing.

The weekend immediately before the GT World Challenge finale, Verstappen is scheduled to compete at the Singapore Grand Prix in Formula 1. The Singapore race is traditionally one of the most physically demanding events on the F1 calendar because of its heat, humidity and long duration.

After potentially racing in Portimão the following weekend, Verstappen would then have to travel to the United States for the US Grand Prix.

That would leave him facing three consecutive weekends involving major international racing events.

The schedule would require considerable physical preparation and logistical planning. Formula 1 alone places enormous demands on drivers, while GT3 racing introduces a different set of challenges, particularly because of the longer race formats and additional time spent sharing the car with teammates.

Nevertheless, Verstappen has demonstrated a willingness to maintain an unusually broad