Max Verstappen’s Mercedes GT3 appearances at Nürburgring may strain Red Bull–Ford relationship. F1 star Verstappen risks Ford backlash over Mercedes racing programme.

Verstappen’s Nürburgring Mercedes outings could create tension with Ford

Restrictive regulations and a less competitive car could turn the 2026 Formula 1 season into a frustrating chapter for Max Verstappen, potentially something he simply files away and moves on from. The Dutch driver has appeared visibly dissatisfied after the opening races of the season. At Miami, he rediscovered some of his fighting spirit thanks to regulatory tweaks introduced in April, but overall the competitive picture has not changed significantly for him.

Fortunately for Verstappen, Red Bull has allowed him to compete in the NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie), where he has been driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO (see featured image). For the Dutchman, it represents a breath of fresh air: a series of demanding and dangerous endurance races where he can push purely on talent and aim for maximum performance without Formula 1 constraints.

However, the situation becomes more complicated when considering that Ford, Red Bull’s current engine partner, is also active in the same category. Over time, the American manufacturer could become uncomfortable seeing Verstappen racing a Mercedes, especially when he could instead represent Ford Racing in the Ford Mustang GT3 (image below).

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This perception could gradually become an issue within Ford’s leadership, potentially creating internal tension. At least that is the view of former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who commented on Verstappen’s off-F1 racing activities:

“If I were the big boss at Ford, I wouldn’t be happy with the commitments the Dutch champion has at the Nürburgring with Mercedes. It is great publicity for them. If I were at Red Bull and Ford, I would try to convince Verstappen not to drive a Mercedes, and instead put him in a Ford GT3 car,” GPBlog.com reports.