Verstappen Racing signs with Mercedes-AMG for GT3

https://racingnews365.com/max-verstappen-signs-multi-year-mercedes-deal

Does this mean that Max will be leaving Red Bull in the coming year?

Wow.

No. It means his own GT3 racing team will drive the AMG GT3 in 2026. Has nothing to do with his F1 career.

Seems like it will make PR Events a bit tough.

Why? His team drove Ferrari and Aston Martin in the different series this year. I'm not seeing the problem.

Last time I checked Red Bull doesn't make a GT3 car..

No, but Ford does.

But seriously, I don't think it's that deep...

tsk94 wrote

No, but Ford does.

The new Mustang GT3 could have been an option, but there are several reasons they have chosen Mercedes AMG. First of all, the AMG GT3 is a proven racecar and fairly easy to set up. The Mustang has had his difficulties since its debut 2 seasons ago.

Besides that, Ford doesn't have the same capacity for customer racing as Mercedes-AMG has, so Ford can't give the same support.

And last, driver choice. Juncadella and Gounon will also drive for the Verstappen team, they have AMG ties and are experienced. Because of that, they can compete in the (highest) Pro division. Drivers with Ford ties and of the same level weren't available.

fs1977 wrote

The new Mustang GT3 could have been an option, but there are several reasons they have chosen Mercedes AMG. First of all, the AMG GT3 is a proven racecar and fairly easy to set up. The Mustang has had his difficulties since its debut 2 seasons ago.

Besides that, Ford doesn't have the same capacity for customer racing as Mercedes-AMG has, so Ford can't give the same support.

And last, driver choice. Juncadella and Gounon will also drive for the Verstappen team, they have AMG ties and are experienced. Because of that, they can compete in the (highest) Pro division. Drivers with Ford ties and of the same level weren't available.

Good insights! I don't follow that scene/series so I'm not in the know. I figured the support and competitiveness of the AMG platform had a lot to do with it.

Perhaps this was the reason behind their mid-season meetup in Italy. Toto is mostly F1 but looks like he has some ties to their GT3 program as well.

dfox wrote

Perhaps this was the reason behind their mid-season meetup in Italy. Toto is mostly F1 but looks like he has some ties to their GT3 program as well.

This (!)

Max' dad Jos has a new toy as well

The track is Meppen, just over the Dutch/German border and the current owner is an acquaintance of mine for over 20 years, we had some beers together:)

Cheers
Robin