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Alex Palou confirms he will not race with Max Verstappen this October

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 8:31 AM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Alex Palou confirms he will not race with Max Verstappen this October

Summary

Alex Palou stated he will not compete alongside Max Verstappen in the GT World Challenge Europe race scheduled for October 17 in Portimão, Portugal. Although reports suggested the IndyCar champion would join the four-time Formula One titleholder for the event, Palou clarified that the pair has not yet secured a shared weekend for their intended collaboration. Both drivers, born in 1997, share a long history of competition dating back to their early karting days. While Verstappen may still participate in the race with his Verstappen Racing team, Palou remains focused on his upcoming IndyCar commitments, including a test of the new Dallara IR28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The two drivers hope to coordinate their schedules for a joint sportscar entry in the future.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Alex Palou will not join Max Verstappen for the October 17 GT3 race in Portugal.
•The pair previously competed against one another during their karting careers.
•Palou will test the Dallara IR28 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval this Thursday.
•Max Verstappen may still compete in the event for his team, Verstappen Racing.

Latest Updates

8:31 AMYahoo Sports — Alex Palou has tried to race with Max Verstappen 'for a long time,' but it won't be in 2026

What they're saying

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Alex Palou confirms he won't race with Max Verstappen in a GT3 race in Portugal in October, although the drivers have 'been trying' to drive together.
— Yahoo Sports

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