GetSpeed Secures Victory in GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup Finale
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal – Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed clinched their first GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup victory in a commanding performance at the season finale on October 1, 2026. Drivers Maximilian Götz, Ralf Aron, and Fabian Schiller triumphed aboard the #17 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, finishing 5.062 seconds ahead of their nearest competitor.
Götz started from the second position but fell to third in the opening laps. Strategic pit stops allowed Aron to retake the lead, which he extended to six seconds despite a mid-race Safety Car incident caused by two Porsches losing control. Schiller, who took over for the final stint, faced a late-race Safety Car but maintained a comfortable lead, securing the team’s first podium finish since the 2024 season opener.
“It’s been a long journey,” stated Schiller, reflecting on the victory. “We had a fast car today. Maxi and Ralf did an amazing job, and I just had to finish it off at the end.”
Race Overview
- Winner: #17 GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO (Götz, Aron, Schiller)
- Second Place: #80 Porsche 911 GT3 R (Thomas Preining, Bastian Buus, Ricardo Feller)
- Third Place: #2 Porsche 911 GT3 R (Alessio Picariello, Dorian Boccolacci, Morris Schuring)
Notable Performances
Max Verstappen made his much-anticipated debut, finishing ninth after starting 24th in the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing entry. His progress was hampered by an early drive-through penalty incurred by teammate Chris Lulham for contact that affected Winward Racing’s chances of clinching the Teams’ title. Team WRT ultimately captured the championship, marking their seventh consecutive title.
In the Gold Cup category, the #71 Selected Car Racing Ferrari, driven by Simon Birch, Malthe Ebdrup, and Frederik Schandorff, finished fourth overall, allowing them to secure the full-season Gold Cup Teams’ championship.
The Silver Cup was won by the #30 Team WRT BMW, achieving an impressive fifth overall, while the #222 2 Seas Motorsport Mercedes-AMG won the Bronze Cup, overcoming early setbacks.
Final Standings
- Gold Cup Winner: #71 Selected Car Racing Ferrari
- Silver Cup Winner: #30 Team WRT BMW
- Bronze Cup Winner: #222 2 Seas Motorsport Mercedes-AMG
The GT World Challenge Europe season concludes with significant moments, showcasing team resilience and strategic prowess on track. Full-season champions have emerged across various categories, setting a stage for the 2027 season.
Images courtesy of SRO/JEP.
