Max Verstappen Invited to Test Drive Mercedes-AMG’s New GT3 Racer! | Portimao Track Test (2026)

Mercedes-AMG extends an exclusive invitation to racing legend Max Verstappen to test its cutting-edge GT3 prototype.

The highly anticipated AMG GT3 racer is set to make its mark on the track, with a test program scheduled at the Portimao circuit in Portugal. This V8-powered marvel is an evolution of the recently unveiled Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO, priced at $418,900 in Australia for deliveries later this year. The GT3 racer is poised to compete in the 2027 season, potentially making its debut at the iconic Bathurst 12-Hour race, a traditional opener for sports car racing.

Before then, Mercedes-AMG has a rigorous test program, which may include track time for Verstappen. The global head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, Christoph Sagemueller, expressed enthusiasm, stating, 'If he is interested, then I am happy.' However, contractual considerations with Red Bull Racing and Ford in F1 must be addressed.

Sagemueller assured that Verstappen won't have a say in the design of the successor to the Bathurst 12-Hour winner. He described the upcoming car as 'a fantastic car with development in full swing,' emphasizing the team's commitment to pushing boundaries. Despite initial plans for a 2024 launch, delays ensured a more refined concept, prioritizing precision over haste.

Mercedes-AMG has transformed into a substantial enterprise within the German luxury car brand, with a growing workforce. Sagemueller, an AMG employee since its early days, highlighted the brand's racing prowess, with over 100 active racing teams and 48 race weekends annually. He believes that GT sports and customer racing offer a closer connection to the road car product, providing valuable insights for AMG's development.

Max Verstappen Invited to Test Drive Mercedes-AMG’s New GT3 Racer! | Portimao Track Test (2026)

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