The world of motorsports is abuzz with the news that Ford would love to see Max Verstappen behind the wheel of their machinery, especially after his surprise deal with Mercedes for the Nurburgring 24 Hours. This intriguing development has sparked a wave of commentary and speculation.
The Verstappen-Mercedes Partnership
Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, is set to make his mark on the Nurburgring endurance race, partnering with Jules Gounon, Lucas Auer, and Daniel Juncadella. What's particularly fascinating is that this venture is independent of his Formula 1 commitments with Red Bull. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 car he'll be driving is a result of a deal between the German manufacturer and Verstappen Racing, a move that has caught the attention of many in the racing community.
Ford's Interest and Ambition
Ford, with its eye on the future, has made no secret of its desire to have Verstappen race their Mustang GT3 EVO model at the Nurburgring 24 Hours. This interest extends beyond a one-off event, as Ford has also secured a deal with Verstappen Racing for the GT World Challenge Europe series. Mark Rushbrook, Ford's Global Director of Motorsport, has openly admitted that they'd prefer their drivers to stay within the Ford family. He appreciates Verstappen's passion and his contributions to Formula 1, but from a strategic perspective, having him race Ford machinery would be ideal.
A Potential Le Mans 24 Hours Appearance
The speculation doesn't end there. Rushbrook has revealed that Ford has been in talks with Verstappen about a potential appearance at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race. With Ford's entry into the hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship in 2027, the stage is set for an exciting showdown with other F1 heavyweights like McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Cadillac. Rushbrook expressed his desire to see Verstappen at Le Mans, acknowledging that it would be a significant boost for Ford and the sport as a whole.
However, he also cautioned that a 2027 appearance might be too ambitious, given Ford's debut season in the WEC. The challenge of managing schedules, especially with Verstappen's F1 commitments, is a complex one. Rushbrook emphasized that the right opportunity and program alignment are crucial for such a move to materialize.
The Bigger Picture
This story highlights the intricate web of partnerships and strategies within the world of motorsports. While Verstappen's Mercedes deal for the Nurburgring 24 Hours is a notable development, Ford's interest in securing his services for their own racing endeavors adds an extra layer of intrigue. The potential for Verstappen to race for Ford at Le Mans in the future is a tantalizing prospect, especially with the high-profile competition Ford will face in the WEC. As we await further developments, one thing is clear: the world of endurance racing is about to get even more exciting.
