Max Verstappen has ‘expressed a preference’ to race with the best driver outside F1 in GT3 return

Max Verstappen is looking to make a return to GT3 racing by the end of 2026, expressing a desire to team up with IndyCar champion Alex Palou. This comes after Verstappen's recent ventures into sports car racing, including participation in notable events like the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. He has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current F1 regulations, stating that GT3 racing feels significantly better to him than F1 racing.

The final round of the GT World Challenge is set for October 16-18, 2026, where Verstappen is expected to drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3. With regular teammates potentially unavailable, Palou is seen as a strong candidate for the third seat. Palou recently secured his fifth IndyCar title and has a solid background in sports car racing, making him a fitting choice for Verstappen's GT3 ambitions.