Max Verstappen Barred From Driving His “Dream” F1 Car by Red Bull Amid Mercedes GT Switch
Max Verstappen has revealed that Red Bull have effectively stopped him from driving one of his dream Formula 1 cars, despite the four-time world champion’s deep admiration for a past era of the sport. The 28-year-old Dutchman, already regarded as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, opened up about the restriction during a recent appearance on the Talking Bull Podcast.
Verstappen, who lost his 2025 drivers’ title in dramatic fashion to McLaren’s Lando Norris by just two points, was asked which generation of Formula 1 machinery he would most like to experience. Without hesitation, he pointed to the early 2000s, an era famous for its raw performance, lighter cars and screaming naturally aspirated V10 engines.
“I think what would still give me goosebumps is the early 2000s,” Verstappen explained. “They were lighter, a bit rougher, more raw.”
However, when questioned about whether he has ever driven a car from that period, Verstappen admitted he has not had the opportunity. Pressed further on the reason why, the Red Bull star jokingly suggested that his own driving style may be the issue.
“Unfortunately not,” he said. “I would send it… yeah, it’s probably for the better. But those V10 engines sounded so beautiful.”
The light-hearted exchange hinted that Red Bull are reluctant to let their star driver loose in older, less forgiving machinery, possibly due to the risk involved. While Verstappen clearly respects the team’s caution, it has not dulled his fascination with the iconic cars of that era, which remain legendary among fans and drivers alike.
Later in the podcast, Verstappen turned his attention to the future, discussing Red Bull’s preparations for the major regulation changes coming in 2026. Asked whether he has already heard the engine for Red Bull’s next-generation Formula 1 car, Verstappen confirmed that he has experienced it on the dyno.
“It sounded good,” he said. “Of course, you hear it on a dyno, but it sounded crisp. I’m not sure they develop on the noise, but it made a good sound. It’s not a V10, though.”
While the 2026 power units will lack the thunderous soundtrack of the early 2000s, Verstappen appeared encouraged by what he has heard so far, suggesting confidence in Red Bull’s ongoing engine project ahead of the new era.
Beyond Formula 1, Verstappen also confirmed major developments involving his personal racing programme. The Dutchman revealed that he plans to remain actively involved in GT racing next year and teased a significant change in machinery for his team. That speculation was put to rest on Christmas Eve, when Verstappen Racing officially announced a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG.
In a joint Instagram post with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the team confirmed the switch from Ferrari to Mercedes power. The statement read: “Verstappen Racing has announced a multi-year collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, starting next year.”
Under the new agreement, Verstappen Racing will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe in 2026, entering both the Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup with the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The move marks a notable shift for Verstappen’s racing operation and further strengthens his relationship with Mercedes, even as he remains contracted to Red Bull in Formula 1.
As the new F1 season approaches, Verstappen’s rivals are already preparing for renewed battles at the front. Mercedes driver George Russell, in particular, has made it clear that he is eager for a direct fight with the Dutchman.
“Max is obviously the gold standard at the moment,” Russell said. “He’s the one you want to go head-to-head with. He’s the only driver you’d want as a teammate to truly measure your competitiveness against.”
Russell added that he believes he has what it takes to challenge Verstappen but understands the importance of timing and patience in Formula 1. “You’re either fighting for a championship or you’re not,” he said. “No one wants to fight for P2. I’m ready for it, but I know my time will come.”
With Red Bull guarding Verstappen from his dream V10 experience, a new Mercedes-backed GT adventure underway, and rivals lining up to challenge him on track, the Dutchman remains firmly at the centre of motorsport’s biggest stories heading into the next chapter of his career.
