Verstappen on track at Estoril with… Mercedes!

©X.com/Mercedes-AMGNews

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©X.com/Mercedes-AMGNews

Just over a week after narrowly missing out on a fifth F1 world title, Max Verstappen was back behind the wheel — this time in a Mercedes AMG GT3 at Estoril.

The Dutchman was testing with 2 Seas Motorsport, the British-Bahraini squad behind Verstappen.com Racing’s Aston Martin in last year’s GT World Challenge Europe endurance series, led by Verstappen’s close friend Nick Cristofaro.

With Jules Gounon also on track, the outing wasn’t just fun laps: 2 Seas is expected to become Mercedes-AMG’s new performance team in 2026, while also running the Verstappen.com Racing project in the GTWCE.

For Max, the session was likely more focused on getting a feel for the Mercedes GT3 itself than simply keeping his skills sharp – though let’s be honest, he’d probably drive a supermarket trolley if it went fast enough.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.