Mercedes Boss Delighted With Max Verstappen Decision to Race for Them
The growing relationship between Max Verstappen and the Mercedes-AMG brand has taken another major step forward, with senior Mercedes figures openly celebrating the Dutch superstar’s decision to race under their banner in GT competition this season.
While Verstappen remains contracted to Oracle Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, his off-track racing ambitions have created one of the most fascinating storylines in motorsport. The four-time world champion recently competed in the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours aboard a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car with Team Verstappen Racing — a move that immediately grabbed attention across the racing world. �
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Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing boss Stefan Wendl admitted the company was “delighted” to welcome Verstappen’s ambitious GT project into the Mercedes family. The German manufacturer sees the partnership as a huge boost not only for endurance racing, but also for the global visibility of the AMG brand. �
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The partnership became official after Verstappen Racing signed a multi-year agreement to switch to Mercedes-AMG machinery for its GT World Challenge Europe campaigns beginning in 2026. The project includes experienced drivers such as Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, while Verstappen himself has already taken part in Nürburgring events with the team. �
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For Mercedes, the situation is particularly significant because Verstappen is still one of the biggest names linked with a future Formula 1 switch to the Silver Arrows. Team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly expressed admiration for the reigning champion in recent years, and speculation about a possible future move has never completely disappeared. �
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However, this latest collaboration is focused on GT racing rather than Formula 1. Verstappen has made no secret of his love for endurance racing and sim racing, often describing events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours as “bucket-list” experiences. His appearance at the event generated enormous fan interest, with organizers confirming record ticket demand and a completely sold-out weekend. �
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On track, Verstappen’s Mercedes-AMG entry immediately proved competitive. The team qualified fourth for the famous endurance race and spent long periods fighting near the front. Unfortunately, their hopes of victory were destroyed late in the race after a painful driveshaft failure forced the car out of serious contention despite leading for several hours. �
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Even with the heartbreaking ending, Mercedes officials were hugely impressed by Verstappen’s professionalism, preparation, and impact on the event itself. The Dutchman’s involvement brought global attention to the Nürburgring 24 Hours and massively increased fan engagement around the race. �
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The development also adds another intriguing layer to the long-running Mercedes-Verstappen rumors in Formula 1. While Verstappen continues to race for Red Bull in F1, his increasing connections with Mercedes-AMG outside the championship are impossible for fans and paddock insiders to ignore. �
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For now, though, Mercedes are simply enjoying having one of motorsport’s biggest stars represent their brand in endurance racing — and judging by their reaction, they clearly believe this partnership could become something very special in the future.