Ford Voices Concern Over Max Verstappen's Mercedes Drive at Nürburgring

Ford's global racing director Mark Rushbrook has expressed the manufacturer's preference for Max Verstappen to drive a Ford Mustang GT3 instead of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo he will pilot at the Nürburgring 24 Hours this weekend. Despite Red Bull's Formula 1 power unit partnership with Ford, the four-time world champion chose to race with a rival brand, continuing a pattern of cross-manufacturer appearances.

Why it matters:

The situation underscores the delicate balance between Verstappen's independent racing passions and his commercial ties with Red Bull Ford. As Ford prepares to enter the Hypercar category this year, securing Verstappen for their sports car program would be a major coup, but the Dutchman's loyalty to driving whatever car he wants complicates that ambition.

The details:

• Rushbrook told reporters at the WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps: "We prefer our Ford drivers to stay in Ford. We understand why he did that. We love his passion."
• Verstappen's own racing team runs a Mercedes GT3 in GT World Challenge Europe, and Ford made considerable efforts to place him in a Mustang GT3 EVO for both the Nürburgring and that championship.
• Discussions between Ford and Verstappen regarding sports car opportunities date back over three years, with both sides seeking the right alignment of schedules for a Hypercar tilt.
• Ford is set to begin its Hypercar program this year, opening the door for Verstappen to potentially race a factory-backed Ford in the top class of endurance racing.

What's next:

• The Nürburgring 24 Hours this weekend will test Verstappen's endurance skills in a Mercedes, but Ford will likely renew its push for his services.
• Verstappen remains focused on his F1 duties with Red Bull Ford, but his passion for GT and endurance racing keeps the door open for future collaboration.
• Rushbrook affirmed Ford's admiration for Verstappen, saying: "We love that he's a racer... it only makes him better."