Max Verstappen Racing, launched by Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, has announced a significant long-term collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport starting with the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season. The Max Verstappen Mercedes partnership sees the team transition from Aston Martin cars to high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT3 vehicles, with their operations managed by 2Seas Motorsport.
Verstappen Racing Shifts Focus to Mercedes for 2026 GT Season
The switch to Mercedes marks a pivotal development for Verstappen Racing following a strong run with Aston Martin, where Chris Lulham piloted the Vantage AMR GT3 in the Endurance Cup and contributed to securing the Gold Cup title alongside Thierry Vermeulen and Harry King. This latest decision means all future GT World Challenge Europe engagements will feature Mercedes machinery, signifying intensified ambitions for the team led by the Dutch star.
Chris Lulham, who previously showcased his skills with both Aston Martin and Ferrari in endurance and sprint events, partnered with Verstappen himself for Max’s GT racing debut at the famed Nordschleife in September. That partnership yielded a race victory in a Ferrari 296 GT3 under Emil Frey Racing, demonstrating the team’s flexibility across manufacturers and classes before settling on Mercedes for their next chapter.
Experienced Drivers and Strategic Testing Lay Foundation
For the 2026 Endurance Cup, Verstappen Racing’s roster will include seasoned works Mercedes driver Jules Gounon, forming a formidable lineup together with existing team-mates. The Cup consists of five demanding rounds through Europe’s premier circuits, and the combined experience of figures like Lulham and Gounon positions the team well for the top positions.
Stefan Wendl, Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, remarked:
“We are delighted that Verstappen Racing has chosen to field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the GT World Challenge Europe. With 2 Seas Motorsport, the project is supported by a highly experienced team that has already achieved numerous successes and championship titles with our car. Accordingly, we are very pleased about this extremely ambitious and promising project, as well as about another high-calibre entry in both the Sprint and Endurance programmes of the GT World Challenge Europe.”
— Stefan Wendl, Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing
Chris Lulham, reflecting on the team’s new prospects, stated:
“It is really exciting to continue racing in the GT World Challenge Europe, now with a new teammate and new car. I have learned and experienced a lot in my first year of GT3 racing, and it’s an unbelievable opportunity to now be able to work with such professionals as Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and Daniel. I can’t wait to get started.”
— Chris Lulham, Driver
Earlier in the month, Max Verstappen drove the Mercedes-AMG GT3 during a test session at Portugal’s Estoril circuit, sharing duties with Jules Gounon as part of their preparations under the guidance of 2Seas Motorsport. These tests confirm Verstappen’s hands-on approach to leading his team into a competitive new phase.
Broader Implications for Max Verstappen and GT Racing
Although Verstappen’s main focus remains Formula 1, his achievements in GT racing – including the notable Nürburgring success with Lulham – fuel speculation about further appearances in the discipline. However, with the 2026 F1 season ushering in new and challenging regulations, Verstappen may need to prioritize his top-tier racing commitments, potentially delaying full-time involvement in GT campaigns under his own banner.
The multi-year Max Verstappen Mercedes partnership aligns Verstappen Racing with one of motorsport’s most successful manufacturers, setting the stage for an ambitious future. As the team integrates experienced professionals like Jules Gounon and continues collaborating with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the GT World Challenge Europe is set for a dynamic and competitive new era driven by Verstappen’s influence.
