Verstappen and Rossi Set for Unexpected GT3 Showdown at Portimão
Max Verstappen will swap Formula 1 for GT3 racing this weekend as the four-time world champion prepares to compete against MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi at the GT World Challenge season finale in Portimão, Portugal.
The Red Bull driver will return to the wheel of a Mercedes GT3 for the first time since the Nürburgring 24 Hours, taking advantage of a weekend without Formula 1 racing to continue his involvement in GT competition.
The event brings together two of motorsport’s most recognisable names, with both drivers expressing excitement about sharing the circuit for the first time.
Verstappen Returns to GT3 Competition
Verstappen will share his Mercedes with Ben Berticoat and Chris Lulham for the three-hour race at the Algarve International Circuit.
The Dutchman joins the lineup as regular drivers Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella are unavailable because of their World Endurance Championship commitments.
Rather than using the break in the Formula 1 calendar to rest, Verstappen has chosen another competitive outing, extending an already demanding racing schedule.
His participation in Portimão means he will race across seven consecutive weekends, combining his Formula 1 commitments with appearances in other categories.
Rossi Welcomes the Challenge of Racing Verstappen
Valentino Rossi, the nine-time motorcycle world champion, will compete for Team WRT in a BMW alongside Max Hesse.
The 47-year-old Italian, who has established a second racing career on four wheels following his retirement from MotoGP, admitted that facing Verstappen presents both an exciting opportunity and a formidable challenge.
“It’s going to be great,” Rossi told Sky Italia.
“At the same time, it’s a big problem, because he will undoubtedly be incredibly fast,” he added with a laugh.
For Rossi, the opportunity to compete directly against one of Formula 1’s leading drivers is something he never expected during his motorcycle racing career.
“But of course, first and foremost, it’s going to be fantastic. I never thought I would race against Max Verstappen one day.”
Despite his extensive motorsport experience, Rossi remains interested in learning from drivers competing at the highest level.
“I hope I get the chance to follow him to see how he drives.”
Verstappen Hopes to Meet Rossi, but Not During the Race
Verstappen also expressed admiration for the Italian, whose achievements in MotoGP have made him one of the most celebrated figures in motorsport history.
The Dutchman hopes the Portimão weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time with Rossi away from the competitive environment.
“He’s a really great guy, so I hope I get the chance to talk to him,” Verstappen said.
However, he was quick to add a typically competitive observation about their potential encounter on track.
“It’s nice, but I hope I don’t see him during the race. Normally, that’s a good sign,” he joked.
Their participation adds an intriguing dimension to the GT World Challenge finale, bringing together two champions from different racing disciplines who have built their reputations through exceptional achievements on two and four wheels.
Portimão Weekend Schedule
Track activity begins on Friday, October 16, with two 90-minute free practice sessions scheduled for 10:45 and 14:45 local time.
Qualifying will take place later that evening, beginning at 19:55.
The three-hour season finale is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, with the race starting at 19:00 local time.
For Verstappen, the weekend represents another opportunity to develop his GT racing experience. For Rossi, it offers the rare prospect of measuring himself against a reigning Formula 1 star in a discipline both drivers are passionate about.
Their first shared appearance on the GT World Challenge grid promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the Portimão finale.
