Verstappen praises GT World Challenge field ahead of series debut

Max Verstappen has praised the depth of the GT World Challenge field ahead of his debut in the series’ final round at Portimão, saying the experience of its drivers helps explain the small gaps.

In a GTWorld Q&A, Verstappen agreed with IndyCar champion Alex Palou’s observation that GT drivers are closely matched. He pointed to competitors who race GT3 cars day after day and said some older rivals have achieved a great deal around the world. The high standard also helps explain why so many cars enter, he said: everyone wants to compete in one of the strongest GT championships.

The endurance format is a particular draw for Verstappen, who shares a Mercedes GT3 with Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham at Portimão. He said sharing a car with teammates was still relatively new to him, though he had sampled it at the Nordschleife and enjoyed the experience. He described driving a GT3 as somewhat outside his comfort zone, while saying he enjoys competing in different classes.

Verstappen recalled racing Barnicoat in karting before their careers went in different directions; he said it was good to reconnect in the same car. He also praised long-time sim-racing collaborator Lulham, saying he improves with each race, gains experience and proves his value among established names in the paddock.