Red Bull urged to stop Verstappen racing Mercedes cars at the Nordschleife

The Dutchman switched to the German brand this year after racing at the Nürburgring with Ferrari in 2025, when he drove the 296 GT3 entered by Emil Frey Racing. In the events he has contested at the Green Hell so far this season, including the Nürburgring Qualifiers, the four-time world champion has shared driving duties with his teammates behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Speaking to a betting site, the Colombian admitted he would not be particularly pleased, from Ford’s perspective, to see Verstappen racing a Mercedes at the Nürburgring while effectively promoting a rival manufacturer. Montoya also suggested Red Bull and Ford would likely prefer the Dutchman to compete in a GT3 car linked to Ford rather than representing Mercedes machinery on track.

Verstappen had also made no secret of his desire to compete in the GTWC 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, with the Dutchman keen to expand his racing activities beyond Formula 1 whenever his schedule allows it. During media day in Miami, the four-time world champion explained that he would gladly take part in more endurance and GT events throughout the year, provided they do not overlap with his commitments in Formula 1.

A potential appearance at Spa-Francorchamps this season, however, has effectively been ruled out due to a calendar clash with Formula 1’s Austrian Grand Prix. The Red Bull Ring event, which marks the 10th round of the 2026 season, is scheduled for the very same weekend as the iconic 24-hour race at the end of June, making it impossible for Verstappen to compete in both events.