Formula One superstar Max Verstappen has received an enticing invitation from Mercedes-AMG to test drive its latest track weapon, the AMG GT3. This development comes as the German automaker accelerates the testing phase of its new GT3 racer, slated for trials at the Portimao circuit in southern Portugal next month.
The GT3, powered by a robust V8 engine, is derived from the recently unveiled Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO, which is set to hit the Australian market with a starting price of $418,900. The GT3 is expected to make its competitive debut in the 2027 season, potentially at the Bathurst 12-Hour race, a traditional opener for the sports car calendar.
Verstappen’s Potential Involvement
Before its official race debut, Mercedes-AMG has a comprehensive testing schedule that might see Verstappen behind the wheel. According to Christoph Sagemueller, the global head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, Verstappen’s participation hinges on his contractual obligations with Red Bull Racing, which recently partnered with Ford in Formula One.
“If he is interested, then I am happy,” Sagemueller told Wheels. “Of course, it depends on his contractual situation.”
Historically, Verstappen has navigated similar contractual landscapes, racing a Ferrari in GT3 sports cars while maintaining a personal team that plans to compete with AMG GT3 cars in 2026.
Development and Challenges
The new AMG GT3’s development is in full swing, with Sagemueller expressing confidence in the project’s timeline. The first roll-out occurred in August last year, followed by two successful days of testing. However, Sagemueller acknowledged the challenges of surpassing the current car’s performance, which recently clinched victory at the Bathurst 12-Hour.
“The beauty of our current car makes it even more difficult for the successor car. The major goal is to bring the car on an even higher level,” Sagemueller stated.
Despite initial plans to race the new GT3 this year, delays have pushed its debut. Sagemueller explained that ensuring the right concept and performance window was crucial, hence the extended timeline.
Mercedes-AMG’s Expanding Empire
Mercedes-AMG’s racing division has grown significantly, with ongoing expansion at its headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany. Sagemueller, AMG employee #800, revealed that the workforce is approaching 3,000, reflecting the brand’s burgeoning influence in the automotive and racing sectors.
“It’s a very big business. We have over 100 active racing teams and 48 race weekends a year. Everything we do in racing is linked to AMG,” Sagemueller noted.
He emphasized the strategic role of motorsport in enhancing the Mercedes brand, particularly through Formula One and GT sports, which closely align with AMG’s road car products.
Looking Ahead
As Mercedes-AMG continues to refine its GT3 racer, the potential involvement of Max Verstappen could add a high-profile dimension to its testing program. Meanwhile, the brand’s expansion underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in both racing and road car development.
With the motorsport world watching closely, the next steps for Mercedes-AMG involve not only perfecting the GT3 but also leveraging its racing success to bolster its position in the luxury automotive market. As Sagemueller aptly put it, AMG operates as a “speedboat” within the larger “cruise ship” of the Mercedes brand, navigating the fast-paced waters of global motorsport with agility and ambition.
