Boutsen VDS switches from Mercedes-AMG to Porsche for the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS season, launching a full two-car GT3 assault with the latest 911 GT3 R.
In this video, we break down why the Belgian squad is moving to the Weissach marque after back-to-back Silver Cup titles and what this means for the GT World Challenge Europe grid in 2026.
Key topics covered:
- Why Boutsen VDS is ending its successful Mercedes-AMG partnership after multiple Silver Cup championships with Aurélien Panis and Cesar Gazeau.
- How the new technical and factory support package from Porsche works, including running two updated Porsche 911 GT3 R in the full 10-round GT World Challenge Europe season.
- What Alessio Picariello brings to the team after winning the 2025 Endurance Cup title with Rutronik Racing in a Porsche and joining as part of an all-factory Pro lineup.
- Insight into team principal Olivier Lainé’s ambitions, the new ‘privileged partner’ status with Porsche, and the importance of winter testing for 2026 performance.
- Marc van der Straten’s long-term commitment, his 2015 Spa 24 Hours victory history, and why he believes this Porsche deal can deliver overall glory at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
- Quick history of Boutsen VDS: from McLaren, BMW, Lamborghini, Audi and Mercedes-AMG to Porsche, and how the team evolved since the Boutsen Racing–Marc VDS link-up in 2023.
- 2026 GT World Challenge Europe calendar context, including the Paul Ricard season-opener and the flagship CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
This video is optimized for fans of GT World Challenge Europe, Porsche GT3 R, and team/driver market news. Use chapters to jump straight to the Porsche technical package, the Picariello signing analysis, or the Spa 24 Hours expectations for 2026.
Keywords at a glance: Boutsen VDS Porsche 2026, GT World Challenge Europe, 911 GT3 R, Alessio Picariello, Marc VDS, Olivier Lainé, Spa 24 Hours, Rutronik Racing, Mercedes-AMG switch, GT3 news.