The Dutch superstar is on track today at the Portuguese circuit together with French driver Jules Gounon, an official Mercedes-AMG driver.
Resting after the flu? Not Max
The Formula 1 World Championship ended just nine days ago, Christmas is only nine days away, and Max Verstappen had been suffering until a few days ago from a severe bout of flu. On medical advice, the illness even forced him to skip the traditional FIA end-of-season Gala in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Under such circumstances, it would be easy to imagine the Dutch champion resting at his home in Monaco, surrounded by family, focusing on recovering both physically and mentally ahead of the new Formula 1 season, which will begin with pre-season testing as early as January 26.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The Red Bull standard-bearer, who has clearly returned to full health, is currently in Portugal at the Estoril circuit, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3. The news was first reported by colleagues at Endurance-info.com and is also supported by flight tracking data, which shows the Dutch superstar landing in Lisbon last night aboard his private jet. The four-time Formula 1 world champion is carrying out test runs on the Portuguese track with the 2 Seas Motorsport team, the same squad that managed the Verstappen.com Racing entry this year in the GT World Challenge Europe with the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO.
Working for the future, with Mercedes
Next season, the team linked to the Dutch champion will be competing with a Mercedes-AMG GT3, once again with the technical support of 2 Seas Motorsport. Verstappen is therefore testing the car that his team will use in 2026, and potentially the very machine with which he himself could take part in the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
What is certain is that Max Verstappen is not alone at Estoril. Alongside him is French driver Jules Gounon, an official Mercedes-AMG driver who knows the AMG GT3 inside out. Verstappen’s off-track programme beyond Formula 1, both as a team manager and as a driver, is more active than ever, underlining once again that even during the off-season, the Dutchman has little interest in slowing down.
Just over a week after clinching another F1 title, Max Verstappen’s relentless drive is on full display as he dives straight into GT3 testing at Estoril, signaling big ambitions for his endurance racing project in 2026 alongside Mercedes power.
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