As speculation over the Dutchman’s long-term endurance racing future continues to grow, Ford Performance boss Mark Rushbrook has admitted that the American manufacturer would “rather” see Max Verstappen racing a Ford Mustang GT3 than a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, is set to compete in next week’s 24 Hours Nürburgring with Verstappen Racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, following the team’s switch from the Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
This has attracted attention due to Ford’s expanding partnership with Red Bull Racing in anticipation of Formula 1’s new power unit regulations in 2026. Ford is heavily involved in developing Red Bull’s future engine, leading some observers to question whether Verstappen’s association with Mercedes in GT racing would cause problems for the American manufacturer.
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya was among those to publicly raise the issue.
“If I were the boss of Ford, I wouldn’t like to see Verstappen advertising for Mercedes at the Nürburgring,” he said recently.
Speaking during a media session at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Rushbrook acknowledged that Ford would ideally prefer Verstappen to represent its own GT machinery. However, he also made clear that the company understands the reasoning behind the Dutchman’s current programme.
Ford praises Verstappen’s racing mentality
Rushbrook stressed that Ford views Verstappen’s wider racing ambitions positively, particularly given his increasing involvement in GT and endurance competitions alongside his Formula 1 career.
“Naturally, we would prefer to see our Ford drivers stay at Ford,” Rushbrook explained.
“We understand why he did that. We love his passion.”
“We love that he is a racer. We love what he does for us in Formula 1. We appreciate who he is as a person.”
The Ford executive added that Verstappen’s constant pursuit of extra racing experience, whether through sim racing, GT competition or endurance events, is viewed internally as beneficial rather than distracting.
“We think it’s great that he’s a racer, whether that’s in sim racing or elsewhere. It only makes him better. This is the right programme for him at the moment.”
“But of course, we would also love to see him driving a Ford in the world of sports cars.”
These comments are particularly significant given that Ford is set to return to top-level endurance racing in 2027 with its new Hypercar programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
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Hypercar discussions have been ongoing for years
Rushbrook also confirmed that conversations with Verstappen about the Hypercar programme have been taking place for several years.
Ford’s Hypercar project is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious programmes the manufacturer has launched in modern motorsport. The company is targeting outright victories at major endurance events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
According to Rushbrook, discussions with Verstappen have not been short-term or reactionary.
“Most of the conversations date back more than three years”, he explained.
“It is simply a matter of looking for the right moment when everything comes together.”
This is notable because Verstappen himself has increasingly hinted that he may not remain exclusively in Formula 1 in the long term.
The four time world champion has repeatedly voiced concerns about the direction of the sport under the incoming 2026 regulations, particularly with regard to the increased use of electricity and the revised engine balance.
Verstappen first raised concerns about the future rules in 2023, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner previously warned that the next generation of cars could become “Frankenstein” creations if the regulations were not carefully managed.
Although Verstappen acknowledged improvements after the recent FIA adjustments introduced during the Miami weekend, he has continued to suggest that further changes are required.
Logan Sargeant is eager to team up with Verstappen
Former Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant has welcomed the possibility of Verstappen joining Ford’s endurance programme in the future.
Sargeant is expected to be part of Ford’s Hypercar project from 2027, having moved into endurance racing. He openly admitted that he would prefer Verstappen to be his teammate rather than a driver for a rival manufacturer.
“Well, if he’s going to drive, then I hope he’s in my car!” Sargeant joked.
“…the fastest driver in the world”
The American believes that Verstappen’s value extends far beyond his speed.
“In my opinion, Max is the best there has ever been. So if I were to share a car with him, that would be a huge honour and a huge advantage,” he explained.
“He’s the fastest driver in the world. There’s a good chance he’ll leave everyone in his wake. So I’d rather have him in my team than in someone else’s.”
Sargeant also highlighted Verstappen’s technical feedback and adaptability as qualities that could transform an endurance programme.
“It goes so much further than just driving style. It’s about seeing what he does with the tools, lap after lap, and how he makes adjustments,” he said.
“For him, it would simply be plug-and-play. You can learn so much from someone like him.”
While Verstappen’s immediate focus remains on Formula 1 and Red Bull Racing, Ford’s public comments suggest that the manufacturer is already thinking well beyond the current partnership — perhaps even imagining a future in which the reigning world champion swaps a Red Bull F1 car for a factory Ford hypercar.
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