The 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals delivered a spectacular conclusion at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve on Saturday. After a week marked by extreme weather, changing track conditions and intense competition, the world's leading Rotax drivers battled for victory across nine categories. From dominant performances in the rain to remarkable recoveries and dramatic last-lap decisions, the Finals provided a fitting climax to the 26th edition of the international karting highlight.
 

Dramatic Finals Bring an Unforgettable Rotax Grand Finals Week to a Close in Portimão
• Changing weather, remarkable recoveries and spectacular battles define the nine Finals
• New Grand Finals winners emerge as penalties and late incidents reshape the results
• Denmark celebrates a historic first victory at the 26th Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals
 

The weather remained a major factor on the final day. While the electric categories and the youngest competitors faced wet conditions, the circuit gradually dried as the programme progressed. Sunshine alternated with occasional rain, constantly challenging drivers and mechanics to adapt.

The demanding Portuguese circuit added another dimension to the competition. Its long start-finish straight created significant slipstream opportunities, particularly in the larger classes, where tightly packed groups exchanged positions throughout the races.

 

With 424 drivers registered for the event and competitors representing more than 60 countries, the Grand Finals once again demonstrated the international appeal of Rotax racing. The equal-equipment concept, with standardised chassis packages and randomly allocated karts, remained a central element of the competition.

Following Wednesday's complete cancellation due to severe weather, the revised schedule had already intensified the pressure throughout qualifying and the heats. On Saturday, everything came down to the Finals.
 

The 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals Winners
• Micro MAX: Nico Thomasen (New Zealand)
• Mini MAX: Emilis Capkauskas (Lithuania)
• E10 Mini: Rafael Guimaraes (Brazil)
• Junior MAX: Zdenek Babicek (Czech Republic)
• Senior MAX: Lewis Gilbert (United Kingdom)
• E20 Senior: Adam Szabo (Hungary)
• E20 Masters: Michel Aboissa (Brazil)
• MAX DD2: Hannes Morin (Sweden)
• MAX DD2 Masters: Jannik Nielsen (Denmark)

 

Micro MAX

The youngest competitors opened their Final with a closely contested battle on a wet circuit, where two of the strongest drivers of the week quickly established themselves at the front. Freddie Baker (United Kingdom), winner of the 2026 RMC Winter Trophy, made a strong start and led the opening two laps. However, Nico Thomasen (New Zealand) remained firmly in contention, using the slipstream to stay within striking distance.

 

On lap three, Thomasen found his opportunity and moved into the lead. The RIGHT KARTS driver gradually built an advantage, although Baker managed to reduce the gap again during the second half of the race. With four laps remaining, the battle was still open, but Thomasen responded and regained control. The 11-year-old eventually crossed the finish line after twelve laps with an advantage of 1.140 seconds, completing an impressive Grand Finals campaign.

Baker secured second place and recorded the fastest lap, while Albert Pharoah (United Kingdom) delivered one of the strongest recovery drives of the race. Starting 18th, the DAN HOLLAND RACING driver fought his way onto the podium in third. Gordey Dulev (Lithuania) finished fourth, followed by Lenny Barton (United Kingdom).

 

Micro MAX – Final Top 5
1. Nico Thomasen (New Zealand)
2. Freddie Baker (United Kingdom) +1.140 s
3. Albert Pharoah (United Kingdom) +2.902 s
4. Gordey Dulev (Lithuania) +5.380 s
5. Lenny Barton (United Kingdom) +11.574 s

 

Mini MAX

The Mini MAX Final produced one of the most impressive performances of the entire event as a driver starting deep in the field took control of the race. On a slowly drying circuit, the 36 competitors faced difficult tyre and grip conditions. Emilis Capkauskas (Lithuania) started from 15th position but immediately demonstrated remarkable pace.

 

Joshua Cooke (United Kingdom) led the opening lap before Capkauskas moved to the front on lap two. The MG MOTORSPORT driver quickly established a gap, taking advantage of the intense battles developing behind him. While his pursuers repeatedly exchanged positions, Capkauskas continued to extend his lead. By the fourth lap, he had already built an advantage of more than two seconds, and the gap continued to grow as the race progressed.
 

Behind him, the fight for the remaining podium positions remained exciting. Teddy Murphy (United Kingdom), Jan Wozniak (Poland) and several other contenders were involved in close battles, while Logan Rolfe (United Kingdom) steadily worked his way through the field.
 

Tyre strategy also added another interesting element. Noah Steehouder (Netherlands) opted for slick tyres on the drying circuit. Although the conditions initially worked against him, the Dutch driver became increasingly competitive and eventually recorded the fastest lap of the race with a 1:12.992.
 

At the front, however, Capkauskas remained untouchable. The Lithuanian led from lap two until the chequered flag, securing victory by 6.544 seconds after 14 laps. Oscar Kenney (United Kingdom) finished second after starting tenth, while Rolfe completed an impressive recovery from 17th to third despite receiving a five-second penalty. Murphy, who had started from pole position, finished fourth, followed by Cooke. Further down the order, Bruno Miranda (Chile) climbed from 34th to eleventh, while Juan Cruz Davancens (Argentina) advanced from 32nd to tenth.

 

Mini MAX – Final Top 5
1. Emilis Capkauskas (Lithuania)
2. Oscar Kenney (United Kingdom) +6.544 s
3. Logan Rolfe (United Kingdom) +11.151 s
4. Teddy Murphy (United Kingdom) +11.604 s
5. Joshua Cooke (United Kingdom) +12.244 s

 

E10 Mini

The first Grand Finals Final in the new E10 Mini category delivered a dramatic conclusion, with the result ultimately decided after the chequered flag.

 

Kir Ivanov (United Arab Emirates) made an excellent start from pole position and immediately established himself at the front of the wet race. Buddy Hugo (United Kingdom) followed closely, while Rafael Guimaraes (Brazil) began working his way forward from eighth on the grid. Ivanov quickly built an advantage of more than three seconds, appearing to have the race under control. However, Guimaraes was making rapid progress through the field. By the sixth lap, the Brazilian had moved into second place and was among the fastest drivers on the circuit. As rain returned, Guimaraes began reducing the gap to the leader.

With two laps remaining, Ivanov still held the advantage, but the final lap brought renewed tension. A small mistake allowed Guimaraes to close within striking distance, although Ivanov managed to cross the finish line first, just 0.438 seconds ahead. However, a ten-second time penalty changed the outcome. The official classification awarded victory to Guimaraes, who also recorded the fastest lap of the race with a 1:22.247. Hugo secured second place, while Ivanov dropped to third after his penalty. Zach Andrew (United Kingdom) finished fourth, followed by Oscar Churches (United Kingdom).

 

E10 Mini – Final Top 5
1. Rafael Guimaraes (Brazil)
2. Buddy Hugo (United Kingdom) +3.446 s
3. Kir Ivanov (United Arab Emirates) +9.562 s
4. Zach Andrew (United Kingdom) +15.541 s
5. Oscar Churches (United Kingdom) +18.327 s

 

Junior MAX

Few races demonstrated the excitement of Rotax racing better than the Junior MAX Final, which featured relentless position changes, close slipstream battles and a remarkable victory from outside the top ten.

With the circuit finally dry and sunshine returning, the 36 finalists attacked from the opening lap. Luca Holmes-Balac (United Kingdom) initially led the race, but the order changed repeatedly as the leading group battled through almost every corner. Theo Battisti (France), Martin Soltys (Slovakia) and Antoine Bazinet (Canada) were among the drivers challenging at the front, with several competitors running side by side through the corners. The long start-finish straight played a crucial role. Drivers used the slipstream to attack, and no one could establish a significant advantage during the opening stages.

 

By lap six, the first 18 drivers were separated by less than five seconds. As the race approached its halfway point, Zdenek Babicek (Czech Republic) began to emerge as a serious contender. Starting from 13th, the reigning Euro Trophy Junior MAX champion had steadily worked his way through the field. The TEPZ RACING TEAM driver moved into the lead on lap nine and managed to establish a small advantage as the drivers behind continued fighting.

However, the race was far from decided. Nikita Ljubimov (Estonia) closed the gap during the closing stages and put Babicek under pressure, while the battle for the remaining podium positions intensified. A late collision ended Holmes-Balac's challenge, adding further drama to an already spectacular race. Babicek held his nerve and completed the final ten laps in the lead, securing victory after 18 laps.

Behind him, the official classification revealed some remarkable recovery drives. Tommy Hart (New Zealand) climbed from 16th to second, finishing 2.928 seconds behind the winner. Ciprian Tudor Ionita (Romania) delivered an even more impressive comeback, advancing from 30th on the grid to third place. Harry Taylor (United Kingdom) secured fourth after starting 21st, while Mikoto Shibazaki (Japan) completed the top five despite a five-second penalty.

 

Junior MAX – Final Top 5
1. Zdenek Babicek (Czech Republic)
2. Tommy Hart (New Zealand) +2.928 s
3. Ciprian Tudor Ionita (Romania) +3.957 s
4. Harry Taylor (United Kingdom) +5.595 s
5. Mikoto Shibazaki (Japan) +5.993 s

 

Senior MAX

The Senior MAX Final produced an extraordinary 21-lap contest, with an intense fight for the lead and dramatic incidents during the closing stages. Lewis Gilbert (United Kingdom) made the best start from pole position, but the POTENZA RACE ENGINES driver immediately faced strong opposition. Sean Butcher (United Kingdom), Mattie Hingeley (United Kingdom) and Ewan Charman (United Kingdom) formed part of a closely matched British group at the front, while Austin Lee (Germany) remained within striking distance.

The leading positions changed repeatedly as the race progressed. Hingeley moved into the lead on lap seven and remained ahead until lap eleven, but Gilbert responded and reclaimed the advantage. The leading group remained extremely close, with less than a second separating several drivers. As the race entered its second half, the battle became even more intense.

 

Lee joined the fight for the leading positions, while defending Grand Finals champion Macauley Bishop (United Kingdom) closed the gap to the front. With only a few laps remaining, the race developed into a battle involving a large group of drivers, with the long start-finish straight repeatedly creating opportunities to attack. The final laps brought further drama, including contact in the tightly packed leading group. Lee was among those who lost significant ground, while Gilbert held on to the lead and crossed the finish line first. The 22-year-old secured the Senior MAX victory after an intense 21-lap battle, finishing 1.708 seconds ahead of Vince Vanderhallen (Belgium). The BOUVIN POWER driver had started 13th and delivered an impressive recovery to finish second.

Toms Strele (Latvia) completed the podium after starting eighth, while Max Walton (Australia) produced one of the most remarkable comeback drives of the event. Starting 33rd, the Australian gained 29 positions to finish fourth. Local contender Martim Meneses (Portugal) completed the top five after advancing from 19th on the grid. Hingeley, who had led during the middle stages, was eventually classified 23rd following ten seconds in penalties. Bishop recorded the fastest lap of the race with a 1:00.088.

 

Senior MAX – Final Top 5
1. Lewis Gilbert (United Kingdom)
2. Vince Vanderhallen (Belgium) +1.708 s
3. Toms Strele (Latvia) +1.761 s
4. Max Walton (Australia) +2.480 s
5. Martim Meneses (Portugal) +5.530 s

 

E20 Senior

The E20 Senior Final took place on a wet circuit, with changing weather conditions adding another challenge for the electric kart competitors. Adam Szabo (Hungary) made an excellent start from fourth on the grid and immediately moved into the lead. The LS VT POWERTEAM driver quickly demonstrated his pace, establishing an advantage of approximately 1.5 seconds during the opening laps.

 

Behind him, Andrea Remy (United Arab Emirates) and Lucas Pinheiro (Portugal) battled for second position, repeatedly exchanging places as they tried to close the gap. However, the fight between the chasing drivers allowed Szabo to extend his advantage. By the middle of the race, the Hungarian held a lead of around two seconds. Although the gap reduced slightly during the closing stages, Szabo remained in control and completed all nine laps in the lead. He crossed the finish line to secure victory by 2.541 seconds in the official classification.

Pinheiro, who had entered the Final as the leading driver after the qualifying heats, secured second place and recorded the fastest lap with a 1:16.284. Antoni Kugacz (Poland) completed the official podium after starting sixth, while Maksymilian Lupa (Poland) finished fourth. Akos Madaras (Hungary) took fifth following a five-second penalty. Remy, who had been involved in the battle for second on track, was subsequently excluded from the competition following a stewards' decision.

 

E20 Senior – Final Top 5
1. Adam Szabo (Hungary)
2. Lucas Pinheiro (Portugal) +2.541 s
3. Antoni Kugacz (Poland) +3.055 s
4. Maksymilian Lupa (Poland) +5.795 s
5. Akos Madaras (Hungary) +9.290 s

 

E20 Masters

Michel Aboissa (Brazil) completed a dominant week in E20 Masters by adding victory in Saturday's Final to his impressive performance throughout qualifying. The LEANDRO KUHN driver had already won both qualifying heats, collecting the maximum 100 points and securing pole position.

 

On the wet circuit, Aboissa immediately moved into the lead and began building an advantage over Carl Cleirbaut (Belgium). After four laps, the Brazilian held a margin of approximately one second, while the battle for the remaining podium positions continued behind him. Cleirbaut remained the closest challenger, but Aboissa gradually extended his advantage and maintained control of the race.

The fight for third remained closely contested until the closing stages. After nine laps, Aboissa crossed the finish line 2.862 seconds ahead of Cleirbaut, completing a perfect sequence of heat and Final victories. Luis Felipe Capamadjian (Peru) secured third place in the official classification after advancing from sixth on the grid. Michele Burzese (Switzerland) finished fourth, followed by Jorge Matos (Ecuador). Tommy Kvakkesta Nordvang (Norway) recorded the fastest lap with a 1:17.035.

 

E20 Masters – Final Top 5
1. Michel Aboissa (Brazil)
2. Carl Cleirbaut (Belgium) +2.862 s
3. Luis Felipe Capamadjian (Peru) +7.442 s
4. Michele Burzese (Switzerland) +8.110 s
5. Jorge Matos (Ecuador) +8.933 s

 

MAX DD2

The MAX DD2 Final delivered one of the most intense races of the entire event, with a remarkable number of drivers battling in a closely packed group throughout the 21 laps. Pole-sitter Mark Kimber (United Kingdom) made the best start and initially led the field, with Edgars Vilcans (Latvia) and Jakub Bezel (Czech Republic) immediately challenging.
 

By lap five, Bezel had moved into the lead, but the long start-finish straight continued to produce frequent position changes. The front group remained incredibly close. At one stage, twelve karts were running in a continuous train, with drivers repeatedly attacking and defending as the slipstream created opportunities. Contact between several competitors added further drama, but the battle for victory remained open.

 

At the halfway point, Bezel led Kimber and Vilcans, with only small margins separating the leading drivers. The competition became even more intense during the second half. By lap 14, an extraordinary 21 drivers were separated by just five seconds. Kimber reclaimed the lead on lap 17, but the battle remained fierce. Further contact in the closing stages brought another dramatic turn, with Bezel losing his chance of victory. The DAEMS RACING TEAM driver crossed the finish line first, but the victory was not his to keep. A five-second penalty for Kimber reshuffled the official classification and handed the win to Hannes Morin (Sweden), who had started from 16th on the grid.

The driver from Sweden completed a remarkable recovery to secure victory by 0.727 seconds ahead of fellow Swede Vigor Hjorvard (Sweden), giving Sweden a spectacular one-two finish. Christian Baumgartner (Austria) completed the podium after advancing from eleventh, while Gianluca Savaglio (Canada) finished fourth. Mats Johan Overhoff (Germany) secured fifth place after starting 13th, completing an impressive performance in the highly competitive field.

Kimber was classified eighth following his penalty, while Bezel also received a five-second penalty and dropped to 22nd. Another remarkable comeback came from Xavier Suarez (Chile), who started last in 36th position and fought his way to sixth, gaining an impressive 30 places. With only 1.288 seconds separating the official top five, the MAX DD2 Final perfectly demonstrated the intensity and unpredictability of racing at the Rotax Grand Finals.

 

MAX DD2 – Final Top 5
1. Hannes Morin (Sweden)
2. Vigor Hjorvard (Sweden) +0.727 s
3. Christian Baumgartner (Austria) +0.893 s
4. Gianluca Savaglio (Canada) +1.013 s
5. Mats Johan Overhoff (Germany) +1.288 s

 

MAX DD2 Masters

The MAX DD2 Masters Final produced a historic result as Jannik Nielsen (Denmark) secured victory and delivered a landmark achievement for Danish karting.

The 21-lap race began with immediate drama. Defending Grand Finals champion Martynas Tankevicius (Lithuania) started from pole position and initially led the field, but an early incident involving former champion Nicolas Picot (France) brought a sudden change at the front. Tankevicius had to retire after the collision.

 

Nielsen, who had started third, took advantage and moved into the lead on lap two. The RS COMPETITION driver quickly established a strong pace and began pulling away from the chasing group. Behind him, Joao Cunha (Brazil) moved into second position, while several drivers battled intensely for the remaining podium places. By the halfway point, Nielsen had built a comfortable advantage and remained in complete control.

Jack Dex (United Kingdom) emerged as one of the strongest drivers in the chasing group, steadily advancing from twelfth on the grid and moving into podium contention. Nielsen eventually crossed the finish line after 21 laps with an advantage of 4.748 seconds, securing his first Grand Finals victory. Cunha finished second, while Dex completed the podium just 0.116 seconds behind the Brazilian. Charles Seguin (France) finished fourth, followed by Gabriel Eduardo Zughella (Argentina), who had started 16th. Matias Rodriguez (Argentina) recorded the fastest lap of the race with a 59.549.

 

MAX DD2 Masters – Final Top 5
1. Jannik Nielsen (Denmark)
2. Joao Cunha (Brazil) +4.748 s
3. Jack Dex (United Kingdom) +4.864 s
4. Charles Seguin (France) +5.123 s
5. Gabriel Eduardo Zughella (Argentina) +5.899 s

 

An Unforgettable Grand Finals Week in Portugal

The 26th edition of the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals will be remembered for its extraordinary weather conditions, intense international competition and spectacular racing.

From the severe weather warning that forced Wednesday's cancellation to the constantly changing conditions during practice, qualifying, heats and Finals, the event presented drivers and teams with challenges far beyond the usual demands of an RMC Grand Finals week. Yet the competition once again highlighted the spirit of Rotax Racing.

 

Looking Ahead: RMC Grand Finals 2027 in Chile

The excitement continues as the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals head to Chile for the very first time! From November 27 to December 4, 2027, the Kartódromo Las Perdices in Melipilla, near Santiago de Chile, will welcome the worldwide Rotax Family for another spectacular edition. With a track measuring approximately 1.7 kilometres – the longest in RMCGF history – and the breathtaking landscapes of Chile as its backdrop, the 2027 event promises a new and unforgettable chapter in the history of the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals.