Get ready, racing fans! Boutsen VDS is making a bold move for the 2026 season, switching gears to partner with Porsche in the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. This shift promises an exciting new chapter for the Belgian squad, and here's what you need to know.
After two successful seasons with Mercedes-AMG, which saw them clinch a pair of Silver Cup titles thanks to the talent of Aurélien Panis and Cesar Gazeau, Boutsen VDS is ready for a fresh challenge. Porsche, fresh off a stellar 2025 season where Rutronik Racing secured the Endurance Cup title, seems like the perfect partner to take them to the next level. This partnership means Boutsen VDS will be fielding two updated Porsche 911s in the full 10-round championship, including the prestigious CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
One car will feature a trio of official Porsche drivers, while the second entry's lineup will be announced later. But here's where it gets interesting: Alessio Picariello is already confirmed as one of the drivers! The Italian-born Belgian, fresh from winning the Endurance title with Rutronik, brings a wealth of experience to the team. This is a significant addition, signaling Boutsen VDS's serious intent.
Team principal Olivier Lainé expressed his gratitude to their former partner, Mercedes-AMG, while also highlighting the excitement surrounding the new Porsche partnership. He emphasized the team's ambition to aim even higher. Lainé also acknowledged the invaluable collaboration of his partner, Marc van der Straten, as well as Rudi Penders and Lionel Hansen, who are true enthusiasts of the Porsche brand. The team is eagerly anticipating winter testing.
Marc van der Straten, known for his Marc VDS squad's victory at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in 2015, is committed to the team for a fourth season. He shares Lainé's high hopes for the Porsche collaboration. He praised the team's family atmosphere and the results they have achieved together, including the Gold Cup championship in 2023 and the Silver Cup titles in the last two seasons. He sees the partnership with Porsche as an honor and dreams of winning the world's biggest GT race with Boutsen VDS. With the new 911 GT3 R and Porsche Motorsport's support, he believes they are well-equipped to achieve this goal.
And this is the part most people miss... The Boutsen VDS name emerged in 2023, a merger of the established Belgian teams Boutsen Racing and Marc VDS. Besides Mercedes-AMG, the Wavre-based team has also run machinery from McLaren, BMW, Lamborghini, and Audi. This history demonstrates their adaptability and expertise across different brands.
The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS season kicks off at Circuit Paul Ricard on the weekend of April 11/12.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: What do you think about Boutsen VDS's switch to Porsche? Will this partnership lead them to victory? Do you think Picariello is the right driver to lead the charge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
