Max Verstappen expands empire with Mercedes-AMG GT racing partnership

Max Verstappen’s footprint in global motorsport continues to expand beyond Formula 1, with his GT racing outfit, Verstappen Racing, confirming a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport from the 2026 season onwards.

The deal marks a significant step in the reigning F1 world champion’s off-track ambitions, as his team prepares to compete at the sharp end of international GT racing.

Under the agreement, Verstappen Racing will switch to Mercedes-AMG GT3 machinery and contest the GT World Challenge Europe, one of the most competitive GT championships in the world. The programme will include both the Sprint Cup and the Endurance Cup, placing the team on the grid for marquee events such as the 24 Hours of Spa.

Operations will be run in collaboration with 2 Seas Motorsport, a well-established outfit with proven experience in Mercedes customer racing.

The driver line-up underlines the seriousness of the project. Chris Lulham, a long-time member of the Verstappen Racing stable, will continue with the team and be joined by experienced GT campaigner Daniel Juncadella for Sprint Cup duties.

For endurance races, Mercedes-AMG factory driver Jules Gounon will complete the trio, adding top-level experience and pedigree to the line-up.

While the headline has inevitably sparked speculation in Formula 1 circles, the deal has no bearing on Verstappen’s own F1 future. The four-time world champion remains contracted to Red Bull Racing, and the Mercedes agreement relates solely to his GT racing operation.

Instead, it reflects Verstappen’s long-stated passion for endurance and GT racing, a discipline he regularly engages with through sim racing and private testing.

For Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the partnership is equally significant. Aligning with Verstappen Racing brings added visibility and credibility, while also strengthening its customer racing presence at a time when GT competition is fiercer than ever. The collaboration signals a long-term commitment from both parties rather than a short-term experiment.

As Formula 1 edges towards major regulation changes in 2026, Verstappen’s expanding influence away from the grand prix paddock shows a driver already shaping his legacy beyond single-seater racing.

With Mercedes machinery, a strong driver roster and a clear vision, Verstappen Racing’s GT project looks poised to become a serious contender on the European stage.