Front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive? The automotive world is split into two distinct camps, with passionate fans on both sides ready to fiercely defend their preferred drivetrain configuration. And while many have a strong opinion one way or the other, not everyone fits neatly into one category—including Max Verstappen, the Dutch racing driver and four-time Formula 1 world champion, currently competing for the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team.
Red Bull Racing, after twelve years of engine partnership with Renault, switched to Honda power units in 2019. Although the Japanese manufacturer officially exited Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, the Honda engines have continued to power the Austrian team’s cars to this day.
As often happens with high-profile drivers, Max Verstappen has served as the face of several advertising campaigns promoting various Honda models, including the high-performance Honda Civic Type R. For those unfamiliar, the Civic Type R is a front-wheel drive car—a trait it has always maintained across generations.
This led many to assume that Max Verstappen was a fan of front-wheel drive vehicles. Or at least, he used to be.
A shift in preference
Beginning in 2026 and continuing at least through the 2030 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing will transition to a new power unit developed in partnership with American automaker Ford. As part of this new collaboration, Max Verstappen recently starred in a promotional video for Ford. In the video, the Dutch driver is seen riding in a Ford RS200 driven by automotive journalist and TV presenter Chris Harris, before taking the wheel of a Ford Mustang GTD—a high-performance icon known for its powerful rear-wheel drive layout.
It is in this context that Verstappen delivered a rather scathing verdict on front-wheel drive: “I think it’s really boring,” he remarked. “To me, it’s a kind of anti-driving. Sometimes I’ve driven in simulators, and it’s the worst thing ever.”
The irony of this statement is not lost on those who remember his previous endorsement of the Honda Civic Type R, which remains the most high-performance front-wheel drive production car on the Nürburgring circuit. Universally praised by enthusiasts and critics alike, the Civic Type R is often considered one of the most fun and engaging front-wheel drive cars ever built.
Nonetheless, Max Verstappen’s newfound preference for rear-wheel drive is understandable—particularly considering his current relationship with Ford.
A matter of image and contracts
Beyond personal preference and technical performance, commercial obligations play a significant role in shaping what Formula 1 drivers say and do. Sponsorship contracts often require public praise of products—even when the sentiments expressed might not fully reflect the driver’s true opinions. The Mustang GTD, with its monstrous V8 engine delivering power and torque to the rear wheels, offers a stark contrast to the Civic Type R’s front-wheel drive setup. In the world of performance driving, this configuration often provides a more “pure” driving experience that appeals to seasoned racers like Verstappen.
Of course, longtime fans of front-wheel drive cars should not take Max Verstappen’s comments too personally—or rush to the comment section of the video (linked above) to express their disagreement.
After all, Ford is not a stranger to sporty front-wheel drive vehicles either. The American brand previously offered highly regarded models such as the Ford Fiesta ST and Ford Focus ST. Sadly, both models are now on the verge of retirement. Had they still been in production, perhaps Verstappen’s comments on front-wheel drive would have been a bit more tempered.
What about you?
Where do you stand in this great automotive debate? Do you prefer the more forgiving and predictable nature of front-wheel drive, or do you lean toward the dynamic and engaging handling of rear-wheel drive cars?
Let us know your thoughts. Front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive—which side are you on?
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