Max Verstappen confirms GT3 return at European F1 track

Max Verstappen has confirmed that he will make a return to GT racing later this month at the final round of the GT World Challenge.

The four-time champion has competed in a handful of GT events over the last year, most prominently the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May.

All of his previous outings in the endurance class have been around the Nordschleife with his own squad, but a scheduling issue has forced him to step in for an upcoming event at Portimao.

The Portuguese track, which will return as a grand prix in 2027, is next on the schedule for the GT World Challenge, but also clashes with the 6 Hours of Barcelona in the World Endurance Championship.

As it rules some of his drivers out of competing at the Algarve circuit, Verstappen has opted to put himself forward as a substitute.

"I know that two of my drivers won't be part of the line-up, so two other drivers need to step in," Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a busy seven weeks, but we'll do it, and I enjoy it anyway.

"Let's see what we can do there."

Verstappen denies Alonso links

In the build-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Fernando Alonso insisted that there would be "more surprises" in the coming weeks regarding his future after confirming his stay with Aston Martin for 2027.

Verstappen, however, asserted the two-time champion would not be joining him in the line-up.

"No, he's not driving with me," Verstappen stated.

"I don't know what he means by that, but no, from my side, it's all clear, we know what we want to do.

"Of course, I would have loved to see my normal drivers compete, but the calendar has changed at times, and that's okay.

"I mean, I love Portimao. I love being in Portugal. So we'll try and have a good weekend."