Verstappen Racing has announced a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport ahead of the 2026 GT3 season, marking a significant new chapter for Max Verstappen’s racing operation.
As part of the agreement, Verstappen Racing will continue competing in the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, switching to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for both the Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup campaigns from 2026 onwards.
The programme will be run in collaboration with the experienced outfit 2 Seas Motorsport.
Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing boss Stefan Wendl welcomed the partnership, highlighting the ambition behind the project.
"We are delighted that Verstappen Racing has chosen to field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the GT World Challenge Europe," Wendl said.
"With 2 Seas Motorsport, the project is supported by a highly experienced team that has already achieved numerous successes and championship titles with our car.
"Accordingly, we are very pleased about this extremely ambitious and promising project, as well as about another high-calibre entry in both the Sprint and Endurance programmes of the GT World Challenge Europe."
Chris Lulham will continue with Verstappen Racing in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup for a second consecutive season.
For 2026, he will be joined by Daniel Juncadella, who brings extensive GT3 experience and a strong track record with Mercedes-AMG machinery.
The duo will share the Mercedes-AMG GT3 across the five Sprint Cup rounds, contested at some of Europe’s most iconic circuits, with operations handled by 2 Seas Motorsport.
Reflecting on the move, Lulham described the new partnership as an important step forward.
"It is really exciting to continue racing in the GT World Challenge Europe, now with a new teammate and new car," he said.
"I have learned and experienced a lot in my first year of GT3 racing, and it’s an unbelievable opportunity to now be able to work with such professionals as Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and Daniel. I can’t wait to get started."
Juncadella also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, underlining the strength of the line-up.
“I’m excited to be partnering up with Chris in the upcoming GT World Challenge Europe season and thankful for Verstappen Racing to be partnering up with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport," the Spaniard said. "With the input that Max brings to the table, it’s a really strong project."
Verstappen Racing will also contest the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in 2026.
Lulham and Juncadella will be joined by Mercedes-AMG Performance driver Jules Gounon for the five endurance rounds, including the marquee 24 Hours of Spa.
Gounon believes the programme has all the elements required to be competitive from the outset.
"As I have worked for years with Mercedes-AMG, it is just great to now continue to build on that experience, together with Verstappen Racing, Chris and Dani," Gounon added. "It is a fantastic project that has all the ingredients to make it a success. I look forward to working together."
With factory backing, an experienced operational partner and a strong driver line-up, Verstappen Racing’s switch to Mercedes-AMG signals clear intent as it prepares for the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season.
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