Max Verstappen has made his intentions clear ahead of the GT World Challenge Europe race at Portimão, insisting that victory remains the objective despite his team’s disappointing qualifying performance.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion is competing in the three-hour endurance race at the Portuguese circuit, sharing the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham.
Verstappen, who has stepped into the driver line-up of his own racing team, is looking to help the squad fight for victory in one of Europe’s most competitive GT championships.
However, preparations have not gone entirely to plan. Qualifying difficulties left the team 15th on the grid, presenting Verstappen and his teammates with a significant challenge ahead of the race.
Despite the setback, the Dutchman remains focused on achieving the best possible result.
Verstappen highlights the strength of GT racing
Speaking to Verstappen.com ahead of qualifying, Verstappen emphasised the exceptionally high standard of competition in the GT World Challenge Europe.
He explained that the championship brings together experienced international competitors, including drivers he previously raced against during his early career.
“The level is very high,” Verstappen said.
He noted that some competitors were familiar rivals from his younger racing days, while others had accumulated considerable experience and success across international motorsport.
According to Verstappen, the depth of talent is a major reason why the championship attracts such a large field of cars.
He considers the GT World Challenge Europe one of the strongest GT racing championships, with intense competition throughout the grid.
Victory remains the ultimate objective
Although the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 will start from 15th position, Verstappen has made it clear that his competitive ambitions extend well beyond simply taking part.
In an interview conducted before qualifying, the Red Bull Formula 1 driver was asked what he hoped to achieve during the weekend.
His response reflected both his enthusiasm for racing and his determination to succeed.
“We’re here to win. That’s always the goal,” Verstappen declared.
While enjoying the experience is an important part of his GT racing activities, Verstappen acknowledged that his competitive instincts naturally push him towards achieving strong results.
The three-hour race provides an opportunity for the team to recover from its qualifying difficulties, although the strength of the field means that progress will be far from straightforward.
A different challenge between Formula 1 weekends
Verstappen’s appearance at Portimão comes following a demanding sequence of three consecutive Formula 1 race weekends.
Rather than stepping away from competition during the break, he has chosen to return to GT racing, a discipline in which he has developed a growing involvement through his own team.
His participation also places him alongside Barnicoat and Lulham in an endurance racing environment that differs significantly from Formula 1.
With three drivers sharing the same car over three hours, the team faces a collective challenge as it attempts to recover from its starting position.
For Verstappen, the motivation remains familiar regardless of the championship or machinery.
The No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 may be starting from the middle of the field, but the Dutchman’s ambition remains unchanged: to compete at the highest level and fight for victory.
