Montoya Questions Verstappen’s Mercedes GT3 Drive

Max Verstappen has come under scrutiny after former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya questioned his decision to race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car ahead of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Montoya believes the situation creates an uncomfortable branding conflict for Red Bull Racing and new engine partner Ford.

Verstappen has actively competed in GT3 endurance racing this season through his own Team Verstappen Racing programme using Mercedes-AMG machinery. The campaign has included appearances in Nürburgring 24 Hours qualifying events as preparation for next weekend’s main endurance race.

Although the programme exists outside Formula 1, Montoya argued the use of Mercedes equipment still carries significant commercial and promotional implications. According to the Colombian, it creates an unusual situation where one of Red Bull’s biggest assets is effectively promoting a direct rival manufacturer.

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“If I were the big boss at Ford, I wouldn’t like seeing Verstappen at the Nürburgring promoting Mercedes,” Montoya told Betpack.

From an industry perspective, the situation is particularly sensitive because Ford officially became Red Bull’s Formula 1 engine partner this season under the sport’s next-generation power unit project. At the same time, Mercedes remains one of Red Bull’s biggest technical and commercial rivals in Formula 1.

Montoya even suggested Red Bull and Ford should encourage Verstappen to race a Ford-based GT3 project or at least avoid direct association with a rival Formula 1 manufacturer. He believes modern driver branding now carries major commercial importance beyond pure sporting results.

“If I were Red Bull and Ford, I would put pressure on Max not to drive a Mercedes,” Montoya added.

The situation becomes even more politically sensitive because Verstappen has repeatedly been linked with a future move to Mercedes Formula 1 over recent seasons. Speculation intensified again this year following Mercedes’ return to the front of the competitive order during the 2026 campaign.

While there are currently no concrete indications Verstappen intends to leave Red Bull, his growing relationship with Mercedes-AMG’s GT3 programme is expected to continue generating political discussion throughout the Formula 1 paddock. Verstappen is also known to enjoy significant freedom regarding his non-F1 racing activities.

From a technical perspective, Verstappen’s increasing involvement in GT3 endurance racing highlights his growing interest in long-distance motorsport competition. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is widely regarded as one of the most demanding endurance races in the world because of the Nordschleife’s extreme length, rapidly changing weather, and multi-class traffic management challenges.

Over recent years, Verstappen has openly demonstrated strong passion for simulator racing, GT3 competition, and endurance motorsport. Team Verstappen Racing is now increasingly viewed as part of a broader long-term preparation for his future career beyond Formula 1.

With Red Bull, Ford, and Mercedes now deeply involved in Formula 1’s next regulatory era, Verstappen’s participation in Mercedes-AMG GT3 competition is likely to remain one of the most intriguing political storylines across international motorsport throughout the 2026 season.