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