Montoya: Ford Won't Be Happy Seeing Verstappen Racing Mercedes at Nordschleife

Juan Pablo Montoya believes Ford will not be thrilled to see Max Verstappen racing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Nürburgring, given the American manufacturer's return to Formula 1 this year as Red Bull's power unit partner.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's choice of machinery in his side racing activities creates a direct brand conflict. While the four-time world champion is free to drive for other manufacturers outside F1, his presence on track in a Mercedes – a direct rival to Ford's F1 ambitions – risks sending mixed signals to fans and sponsors alike.

The details:

• Montoya told a betting site: “If I were the big boss at Ford I wouldn't be happy to see Verstappen at the Nürburgring advertising Mercedes. I would pressure Max not to drive a Mercedes, but a Ford GT3 or something like that.”
• Verstappen switched to Mercedes for this year's Nürburgring events after racing a Ferrari 296 GT3 in 2025. He has shared driving duties in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 during the Nordschleife Qualifiers and other races this season.
• The Dutchman has also expressed interest in entering the GTWC 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, but a calendar clash with Formula 1's Austrian Grand Prix (same weekend in late June) makes it impossible for him to participate this year.

What's next:

Ford has not publicly commented on Verstappen's GT racing choices, but Montoya's remarks highlight a potential tension between the driver's personal racing freedom and his contractual obligations. If the trend continues, Red Bull or Ford may push for Verstappen to align his extracurricular racing with their brand, possibly by fielding a Ford GT3 entry in future Nürburgring endurance events.