Max Verstappen will race a Mercedes at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but Ford would rather it were a Mustang.
According to Ford’s global racing director Mark Rushbrook, the manufacturer would rather have Max Verstappen competing in one of their own cars, specifically a Ford Mustang GT3, instead of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo he will drive at the Nürburgring 24 Hours this weekend. Rushbrook expressed Ford’s preference for their drivers to stick with Ford vehicles. Despite Verstappen’s current choice of Mercedes machinery, Ford appreciates his passion and understands his decision. Verstappen’s diverse representation of different manufacturers in racing disciplines, including the Red Bull F1 team, which has a partnership with Ford for power units, creates a unique situation. Ford has been in discussions with Verstappen for over three years about potential opportunities in sports car racing, especially with the upcoming Hypercar tilt that Ford will be involved in from next year.
