Verstappen makes 2026 switch to Mercedes as Hamilton decides on Ferrari engineer's fate

Verstappen Racing has agreed a multi-year partnership with Mercedes that will begin in the 2026 season.

Under the deal, the team will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe using Mercedes-AMG GT3 machinery, ending its association with Aston Martin. The move follows Max Verstappen testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Estoril.

Verstappen Racing expanded its programme in 2025 by entering both the Sprint and Endurance Cups, supporting 2 Seas Motorsport. In Endurance competition, Thierry Vermeulen, Chris Lulham and Harry King shared an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo, while Vermeulen and Lulham also raced a Ferrari 296 GT3 in the Sprint Cup with Emil Frey Racing.

Reports state the Mercedes programme will continue in both categories, with Chris Lulham, Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon forming the planned driver line-ups. Mercedes-AMG confirmed its support for the project.

Lewis Hamilton’s working relationship with Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami has been under scrutiny throughout the season, following repeated radio exchanges described as awkward and out of sync.

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton urged Ferrari to make changes to his personal working environment, without specifying whether that involved role adjustments or more significant measures.

The issue appeared unresolved heading into the race, which ended with another strained radio moment. After Hamilton delivered an emotional post-race message, there was initially no response, prompting visible frustration before Adami replied with an apology and words of appreciation.

According to a report by Autoracer.it, Adami will remain Hamilton’s race engineer for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The decision is said to have been agreed during a post-season dinner, despite speculation that changes were being considered.