The former Colombian Formula 1 driver finds Verstappen’s move into the GT3 world with Mercedes rather unusual, especially considering Red Bull’s growing relationship with Ford.
The big event is approaching
Formula 1 continues to move slowly through the early phase of the season, with several races unable to take place and a calendar that currently includes a two-week break between the Miami Grand Prix and the Canadian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen has decided to use this gap in the schedule to enter the Nürburgring 24 Hours, which is set to take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. The four-time Formula 1 world champion will compete in a Mercedes GT3 alongside Lucas Auer, Dani Juncadella, and Jules Gounon.
Juan Pablo Montoya pointed out that, if he were in charge at Ford, he would not be particularly pleased with Verstappen’s “betrayal” in the GT3 scene.
“If I were Red Bull and Ford, I would push for Max not to drive a Mercedes, but a Ford GT3 or something similar,” Juan Pablo Montoya said while speaking to Betpack. “If I were the big boss at Ford, I wouldn’t be happy seeing him racing with Mercedes and promoting Mercedes.”
Juan Pablo Montoya’s comments regarding Max Verstappen’s participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours highlight the complex web of brand loyalty and corporate partnerships in modern motorsport. As Red Bull continues its technical transition with Ford, every public appearance and racing choice made by its star driver is scrutinized for its commercial impact. While Max Verstappen seeks to explore his passion for endurance racing during the F1 break, the optics of a Red Bull champion driving a rival manufacturer’s car can create friction among key stakeholders and sponsors who are looking for total brand alignment.
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