Might 20 (GMM) Mercedes deputy boss Bradley Lord insists Max Verstappen racing a Mercedes GT3 automotive on the Nurburgring has “very, little or no” to do with Method 1 hypothesis linking the world champion to the Toto Wolff-led staff.
Verstappen’s look within the sold-out 24 Hours Nurburgring has solely intensified rumours about his long-term future amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pink Bull’s competitiveness and the controversial 2026 rules.
Requested by Champ1 whether or not Verstappen’s rising Mercedes GT connection may grow to be a bridge towards Method 1, Lord rejected the suggestion.
“I believe these are positively two utterly separate issues,” he mentioned.
“On the one hand, buyer motorsport – then again, Method 1.”
“And if Max races GT automobiles, then we’re pleased that Mercedes is his most popular alternative and that he can battle for total victory within the 24-hour race with a aggressive Mercedes.”
Lord admitted Verstappen’s participation has been massively worthwhile for each Mercedes and the Nurburgring occasion itself, however stopped in need of making deeper connections.
“To see it as a bridge is way too simplistic, and essentially the 2 issues have very, little or no to do with one another.”
When pressed once more about whether or not Verstappen in Mercedes Method 1 colors would nonetheless be a sexy fantasy situation, Lord pointed again to Wolff’s earlier feedback.
“I perceive the try at hypothesis,” he smiled.
“However all I can do is repeat what Toto has already mentioned this 12 months. We have now our two most popular drivers within the two automobiles, each merchandise of the Mercedes system.”
Lord was additionally requested instantly about Verstappen’s repeated criticism of Method 1’s present path and whether or not Mercedes fears he may ultimately stroll away from the game altogether.
“I believe that rests solely with Max,” he mentioned.
“The game has survived the arrival and departure of hundreds of drivers over its 75 or 76 years, and the identical would apply to any of the present drivers.”
Lord urged Verstappen’s frustration seems to be easing as Pink Bull regains competitiveness.
“Personally, my feeling could be that the path of these feedback isn’t rising, however reducing, as Pink Bull’s efficiency and the competitiveness of the automotive enhance,” he mentioned.
“However I don’t wish to put phrases in Max’s mouth. He is aware of his personal opinion.”
Lord additionally urged the unusually fragmented early 2026 calendar has amplified off-track hypothesis.
“In these first two and a half months of Method 1 there have been so many statements and so many large speaking factors, partly as a result of we’ve had little or no precise racing,” he mentioned.
“At the very least we’re pleased that from this weekend onward we’ll have seven races throughout 9 or ten weekends and that we’ll be racing intensively once more, as a result of that’s the perfect factor that may occur for Method 1.”
