Estéban den Toom is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1. With a background in journalism and a keen eye for detail, he delivers daily, reliable coverage and analysis of technical developments and on-track strategy within the sport.
Max Verstappen is not in Portugal for a holiday, but to race in a Mercedes car. Two Verstappen.com cars are running at the Estoril circuit in preparation for the 2026 GT3 program.
News emerged that Verstappen’s plane had landed in Portugal. What initially appeared to be a holiday trip was instead confirmed as a test outing, with Verstappen running a Mercedes car at the Estoril circuit.
The Red Bull driver took part in a test day at the Portuguese venue, with his team running a Mercedes-AMG GT3 carrying the numbers 33 and 333.
'Verstappen in Portugal for Mercedes test'
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Verstappen’s team will switch to Mercedes-AMG power next year, and two of those cars have been running in Portugal in Red Bull colours. Max was not the only driver on track, with Mercedes-AMG factory driver Jules Gounon also taking part in the test.
Max Verstappen - Photo: RacePictures
It’s clear that Verstappen enjoys other racing classes besides Formula 1. A few months ago, the four-time F1 world champion drove with Emil Frey Racing on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
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