Montoya: Red Bull, Ford Should Pressure Verstappen Over Mercedes GT3 Drives

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull and Ford should put pressure on Max Verstappen to stop racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 machinery. The seven-time Grand Prix winner argues the arrangement gives free brand exposure to a direct Formula 1 rival.

Why it matters:

With Ford returning as Red Bull's engine partner in 2026, seeing their star driver promote Mercedes in endurance racing creates an awkward conflict of interest. It also reignites speculation about Verstappen's long-term future at Red Bull.

The details:

• Verstappen has been racing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO under the Team Verstappen Racing banner this year, including at Nürburgring 24 Hours qualifiers in April.
• The outings are preparation for next weekend's Nürburgring 24 Hours, where he will again drive a Mercedes.
• Montoya told Betpack: “If I were Red Bull and Ford, I would put pressure on Max not to drive a Mercedes, but a Ford GT3 or something similar. I don’t think the big boss at Ford would like it if he were to race with Mercedes in the GT classes and thus promote the Silver Arrows.”
• The Dutchman has long been linked to a potential Mercedes F1 move, with rumors surfacing again this year as Mercedes leads the pecking order.

Between the lines:

Verstappen’s personal relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been well documented, and his willingness to race with their GT cars only adds fuel to the fire. While the three-time champion has a contract with Red Bull through 2028, the optics of driving for a rival brand in a sister series are difficult to ignore – especially for Ford, which is investing heavily in its partnership with Red Bull.

What's next:

The Nürburgring 24 Hours takes place next weekend. Unless Red Bull or Ford voice concerns publicly, Verstappen is expected to continue his GT3 program as planned. For now, the on-track distraction remains minor – but the messaging off it is clear.