Verstappen spotted testing Mercedes GT3 ahead of Red Bull 2026 reveal
Max Verstappen has wasted no time during Formula 1’s brief winter pause, with reports emerging that the four-time world champion carried out a private test in Mercedes machinery shortly before Red Bull’s latest reveal. While the F1 calendar may be between seasons, preparations for the sweeping 2026 regulation changes are already well underway across the paddock.
The offseason break has been notably short this year, with teams quickly pivoting toward development for the new era of cars. Red Bull has already kicked off its 2026 campaign with the unveiling of its latest livery, as attention turns toward the opening official Formula 1 test scheduled for January 26 in Barcelona. Following that session, the grid will relocate to Bahrain for two separate three-day preseason tests in February, marking a rapid return to full competitive intensity.
Ahead of Red Bull’s Detroit launch, however, Verstappen was seen thousands of miles away in southern Europe. The Dutch driver reportedly travelled to Portugal, where he took part in a test at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car. Footage of the outing quickly surfaced online, shared by social media car reviewer Ivo Matczak, who posted a video of a Red Bull-liveried GT3 car blasting down the main straight.
Closer inspection of images from the garage appeared to confirm Verstappen’s involvement, with his familiar number three clearly visible on the car. Verstappen later posed for photos with Matczak, who praised the Red Bull driver in a social media post, describing him as “incredibly nice” and pushing back against claims that the world champion is distant or unapproachable.
The test outing has further fuelled speculation around Verstappen’s expanding ambitions beyond Formula 1. Last year, it was confirmed that Verstappen Racing — the sportscar team founded by the Dutchman — had agreed a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG beginning in 2026. The deal marked a notable shift, particularly as Verstappen made his GT3 racing debut in Ferrari machinery before aligning his long-term project with Mercedes.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 F1 season, Verstappen was also seen testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Estoril circuit, prompting widespread discussion about his endurance racing plans. While interest in events such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours remains high, scheduling conflicts continue to present a major challenge. All three NLS preparatory races, along with the 24-hour qualifiers, clash directly with Formula 1 commitments.
Verstappen has also acknowledged that the introduction of radically new F1 cars in 2026 could limit his availability, as adapting to the regulations will demand his full focus. Even so, his commitment to GT racing remains firm. Last season, Verstappen Racing entered the GT World Challenge Europe Gold Cup with drivers Thierry Vermeulen, Harry King, and Chris Lulham. Now, Verstappen has made it clear that his ambitions are growing, with plans to step up to the Pro category, describing the project as getting “bigger and better” heading into 2026.
