Ford names Verstappen as a target for its GT and Le Mans Hypercar plans despite Mercedes deal
Photo: SRO/JEP
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Ford wants Max Verstappen in its sportscar programmes, even though the Dutchman's GT3 team races Mercedes-AMG machinery. Ford Racing global director Mark Rushbrook told De Telegraaf that the four-time world champion is firmly on the manufacturer's radar.
The comments add to a link that already exists in Formula 1. Ford has been a technical partner in Red Bull Ford Powertrains since the new engine regulations arrived in 2026, so Verstappen and the American manufacturer already work together, if only indirectly. Outside F1, Verstappen races GT3 cars through Verstappen.com Racing, with cars and support from Mercedes-AMG.
Rushbrook wants Verstappen behind the wheel of a Ford
Rushbrook didn't hide how keen Ford is. "Of course, we want to have the best drivers," he said. "So for us, it would certainly be interesting, let me put it that way."
Ford already has its own car in Verstappen's GT category, the Mustang GT3, and it also races Hypercars in the World Endurance Championship and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Dutch outlet GP33 says Ford is not fully satisfied with how loose its tie to Verstappen currently is, and claims the manufacturer makes only twelve parts for the RB22.
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Ford first made its interest clear at Spa in May
This is not the first time Rushbrook has spoken about Verstappen. At the WEC 6 Hours of Spa in May, just before Verstappen's Nürburgring 24 Hours debut in a Mercedes-AMG, he confirmed that Ford had been talking to the Dutchman about a Le Mans Hypercar drive. "We would love to see it. A lot of things to align for that to happen, but that would of course be incredible for us, for the sport."
At the time, Rushbrook said the talks went back more than three years. He also ruled out 2027, Ford's first season in the Hypercar class, saying a third Le Mans car in the debut year "would be taking on too much". He added that Verstappen had recently tested a Mustang GTD at Grand Sambuc.
We prefer our Ford drivers to stay in Ford. We understand why he did that, we love his passion, we love that he's a racer, we love what he does with us in Formula 1, and we love him as a person.- Mark Rushbrook at Spa in May
Verstappen's Mercedes commitment runs through 2027
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There is a big obstacle, though. Verstappen.com Racing is already committed to Mercedes-AMG for 2027 so any move to Ford couldn't happen before 2028 at the earliest.
The timing is also a little awkward. Rushbrook's comments came out the same weekend that Verstappen listed his complaints about the Red Bull Ford package at the United States Grand Prix, including inconsistent engine braking.
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