Reigning four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen and Aston Martin have partnered to launch a GT3 racing effort under his Verstappen.com Racing banner.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Dutch driver’s career as he diversifies his involvement in motorsports beyond Formula 1.
The Verstappen and Aston Martin partnership will see his team field an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo in the prestigious GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, a move that underscores his commitment to fostering young talent and exploring new racing platforms.
The announcement, made on March 6, 2025, confirms months of speculation about Verstappen’s growing interest in GT racing. The team will compete in the Gold Cup category of the championship, with Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham, and Harry King as the designated drivers.
The trio will share driving duties across five endurance rounds, including the iconic 24 Hours of Spa. The car will be operated in collaboration with 2 Seas Motorsport, a British-Bahraini team known for its expertise in endurance racing.
For Max Verstappen, this venture represents more than just an expansion of his racing portfolio. It is a platform to nurture emerging talent and bridge the gap between virtual and real-world racing.
Chris Lulham exemplifies this vision. The former Team Redline sim racer has been promoted to compete in both sprint and endurance formats under Verstappen’s guidance; he will also compete alongside Vermeulen in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, driving a Ferrari for Emil Frey Racing.
Thierry Vermeulen, another key driver in the lineup, brings experience from his time in DTM and previous collaborations with Verstappen.com Racing.
Meanwhile, Harry King will make his debut in GT3 competition outside of Porsche machinery. He has a strong background in Porsche’s single-make programs and is the current vice-champion of the Porsche Supercup with BWT Lechner Racing.
Additionally, King will dovetail his GT3 commitments with a season in the European Le Mans Series, competing in the LMP2 category with CLX Motorsport.
The collaboration between Verstappen and Aston Martin is particularly noteworthy. The Vantage GT3 Evo is a proven contender in endurance racing, and its inclusion aligns with Aston Martin’s broader strategy to dominate global GT competitions.
The manufacturer has already set its sights on victories at marquee events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona, showcasing its commitment to excellence across various championships.
Verstappen’s decision to collaborate with Aston Martin also reflects a strategic alignment of values and ambitions. Both parties share a focus on innovation and performance, making this partnership a natural fit.
The Vantage GT3 Evo’s advanced engineering and competitive pedigree provide an ideal platform for Verstappen.com Racing to make a strong impression in its debut season.
The Max Verstappen and Aston Martin collaboration has sparked considerable interest, especially given the recent rumors about a potential F1 move to the Silverstone-based team.
However, Verstappen has consistently reiterated his commitment to Red Bull, with whom he has a contract until the end of 2028. The Dutch driver has clarified that his discussions with Aston Martin were solely about GT3 racing, dispelling speculation about a £1 billion contract offer for an F1 seat.
The clarification underscores Verstappen’s focus on building a robust racing program outside of F1, while maintaining his loyalty to Red Bull.
The move into GT3 racing could also signal a long-term vision for Verstappen’s post-Formula 1 career. His hands-on approach—ranging from selecting drivers to testing cars—demonstrates his deep commitment to this new chapter.
The partnership between Max Verstappen and Aston Martin also highlights the evolving landscape of motorsport, where cross-disciplinary ventures are becoming more common.
Formula 1 drivers such as Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen have shown interest in endurance racing and other formats.
