Max Verstappen will drive the No. 3 Mercedes‑AMG GT3‑EVO this weekend, taking the helm for Verstappen Racing’s full‑time staff.
Backup Staff Takes the Lead
Completely off the Formula 1 grid, Verstappen joins forces with veteran sim‑racer Chris Lulham and seasoned professional Ben Barnicoat. Lulham, a regular in the team during the 2026 season, has already mastered the inner workings of Verstappen Racing after moving from virtual to real‑world GT gliders. Barnicoat, former McLaren factory driver, shifted to Lexus in 2022 and has since racked up titles: the Asian Le Mans Series GT crown in 2022, a Petit Le Mans win that same year, the 2023 IMSA GTD Pro title alongside Jack Hawksworth, and a Sebring GTD Pro triumph in 2024.
Weekend Schedule and Grid Method
Friday’s qualifying opens at 5:55 p.m. local. Each driver records a solo lap, and the group’s average times set the grid. The race kicks off Saturday, 17 October, at 5 p.m. local. With a 61‑car field on the roster, all eyes will focus on how these three drivers distribute pace and strategy across the weekend.
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