Max Verstappen “out of my comfort zone” in GT World Challenge Europe debut

Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen is set to compete in the GT World Challenge Europe at Portimao driving a Red Bull-sponsored Mercedes-AMG GT3. Verstappen stepped in to race during an off-weekend for F1 after seeing a calendar clash between the series and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The Dutch racer stated that driving this type of car pushes him slightly out of his comfort zone, though his ultimate goal remains to win.

Verstappen completed test sessions at the Portuguese circuit on Thursday, October 15, noting that he was fine-tuning details while adapting from previous endurance experience at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. He emphasized that the competitive standard across the grid is extremely high, as he prepares to race alongside experienced GT competitors including Valentino Rossi and Arthur Leclerc.