While the engines of the 2025 Formula 1 season have only just cooled and most drivers are jetting off to the Maldives or the Alps for some well-deserved relaxation, one man remains resolutely strapped into a racing seat. Max Verstappen, the four-time World Champion, has once again proven that his hunger for speed knows no off-season. In a move that has sent ripples of intrigue through the motorsport community, Verstappen was recently spotted at the Estoril circuit in Portugal. But it wasn’t just his presence that caused a stir; it was the machine he was piloting. Gone was the familiar bull emblazoned on an F1 chassis, and in its place was the three-pointed star of a Mercedes AMG GT3.

A Cold Day in Estoril, A Hot Topic for Racing

The setting was far from the glitz and glamour of the Formula 1 paddock. The Estoril circuit, a track with a rich history in motorsport, presented a cold, wet, and unforgiving challenge. Yet, these are the conditions where true racers thrive, and it was here that Verstappen chose to conduct a secret test with the 2 Seas Motorsport team. The sight of the Red Bull talisman behind the wheel of a Mercedes—a brand that has been his fiercest rival in Formula 1 for the better part of a decade—was jarring to some, but it speaks volumes about the Dutchman’s pragmatic approach to racing. When it comes to conquering the world of GT, brand loyalty takes a backseat to performance and reliability.

The test wasn’t merely a joyride. It was a calculated gathering mission. Verstappen was there to explore the limits of the front-engined Mercedes AMG GT3, a beast vastly different from the precision-engineered F1 cars he dominates in. Reports indicate that he was benchmarking his own performance against the car’s usual roster of professional drivers, a testament to his relentless perfectionism. He wasn’t just driving; he was studying, adapting, and analyzing every nuances of the German machine on the slippery Portuguese asphalt.

The Great Switch: Why Mercedes?

For fans of https://www.google.com/search?q=Verstappen.com Racing, the shift to Mercedes machinery marks a significant pivot. The team has previously utilized Ferrari GT3 cars, machines renowned for their speed and passion. However, rumors are swirling that the outfit is set to switch allegiance to Mercedes for the upcoming GT World Challenge Europe season in 2026. The burning question is: why?

The answer appears to be rooted in technical pragmatism rather than marketing politics. One of the primary driving forces behind this potential change is Verstappen’s teammate, Chris Lulham. Feedback suggests that Lulham has found the Mercedes AMG GT3 to possess more “manageable characteristics” compared to the Ferrari. In the high-stakes, endurance-focused world of GT racing, a car that is predictable, consistent, and well-developed can often be a more lethal weapon than one that is simply fast over a single lap. The Mercedes platform is one of the most matured and successful in the GT3 category, offering a stability that appeals to drivers looking to conquer long stints in variable conditions—exactly the kind of conditions Verstappen faced at Estoril.

The Green Hell Calling

This test, however, is about more than just the GT World Challenge. It is a stepping stone toward a much larger, more legendary ambition: the Nurburgring 24 Hours. Verstappen has never been shy about his desire to conquer the “Green Hell,” arguably the most dangerous and difficult race track in the world. To win there requires not just a fast driver, but a bulletproof car.

Sources close to the situation reveal that Verstappen’s interest in the Mercedes platform is directly linked to his own racing prospects at the Nordschleife. It has been reported that the F1 champion has already met with top AMG officials, signaling serious intent. The word in the paddock is that Mercedes AMG Team Winward—a squad with a formidable reputation—would be Verstappen’s first choice for an assault on the Nurburgring in 2026. This aligns perfectly with the characteristics of the Mercedes GT3, a car that has proven time and again that it can handle the brutal punishment of the 24-hour classic.

The Calendar Clash and Verstappen’s Influence

For a driver with a schedule as packed as an F1 World Champion, the logistics of competing in other series are often the biggest hurdle. The good news for fans is that the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours does not conflict with a Formula 1 weekend, clearing the first major obstacle. However, Verstappen is not a driver who simply shows up to race; he demands preparation.

To be truly ready for the Green Hell, Verstappen would need to compete in the NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie) prep races to earn his permit and acclimatize to the track’s unique traffic and conditions. The problem? The NLS1 race currently clashes with the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix. In the world of motorsport, F1 usually dictates the calendar, and other series fall in line or suffer the consequences. But Max Verstappen is not just any driver. His impact on the NLS series earlier this year was profound, bringing unprecedented viewership and attention to the championship.

In a remarkable display of his influence, NLS organizers have reportedly not ruled out modifying their entire race schedule solely to accommodate Verstappen’s wishes. It is a rare phenomenon for a series to move dates for a single driver, but such is the gravitational pull of the reigning F1 king. If the schedule is adjusted, it would pave the way for a historic attempt at one of racing’s triple crowns of endurance.

A Racer to the Core

Ultimately, this secret test at Estoril serves as a powerful reminder of who Max Verstappen is. In an era where athletes are meticulously managed and rest is prioritized, Verstappen breaks the mold. He lives and breathes racing. Whether it’s on a simulator at home or a wet track in Portugal, he is constantly refining his craft.

Most drivers view the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a finish line. For Verstappen, it seems it was merely a pit stop before switching vehicles. While the world speculates about Red Bull’s F1 dominance or the 2026 regulations, Max is quietly building a secondary legacy in the world of GT racing. He is testing, he is planning, and he is pushing. The Mercedes badge on the hood might be different, but the intent behind the visor remains exactly the same: absolute domination, no matter the car, no matter the track. The 2026 season may seem far away, but for Max Verstappen, the race has already begun.