Max Verstappen 'Banned' From Driving Dream F1 Car by Red Bull Amid Mercedes Deal

Max Verstappen has been banned from driving his dream Formula 1 car by Red Bull.

Verstappen, 28, is a four-time world champion and will forever be etched in the sport's history as one of the greatest.

In 2025, the Dutchman saw his F1 crown ripped away by McLaren's Lando Norris, who finished the season two points ahead.

During a recent appearance on the Talking Bull Podcast, Verstappen revealed that Red Bull have banned him from driving his favourite F1 cars.

The presenter asked: "Which era of car would you like to drive the most?"

Verstappen replied: "That's a good question, we're going to answer that with a good answer.

"Erm, to be honest, I think what would still give me goosebumps is like the early 2000s. Lighter, a bit like rough."

When asked if he has had a go in an early 2000s car, the Dutchman said: "Unfortunately not, no."

Verstappen was then asked: "Is it because you can't be trusted?"

He replied: "Well, I would send it... Yeah it's probably for the better. But like a nice V10 engine, they sounded so beautiful."

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Later on in the podcast, Verstappen was asked whether he has heard the engine for Red Bull's 2026 car.

The Dutchman said: "It sounded good. Of course, you hear it on a dyno, but it sounded, like, crisp. I mean, I’m not sure they actually develop on the noise, but it made a good noise. I mean, it’s not a V10."

Meanwhile, Verstappen also mentioned that he intends to be involved in GT racing next year and teased that his team would be changing cars.

He then confirmed the switch from Ferrari to Mercedes on Christmas Eve. His racing team took to Instagram in a joint post with Mercedes-AMG to confirm they have signed a multi-year deal.

The post read: "Verstappen Racing has announced a multi-year collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, starting next year.

"Verstappen Racing will continue in the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe championship, both in the Sprint and Endurance cup with a Mercedes-AMG GT3."

Ahead of the new F1 season, Mercedes star George Russell stated that he is ready to challenge Verstappen.

He said: "I definitely know I can mix it with those guys at the top. Max is obviously the gold standard at the moment. He’s the one that I’d want to go head-to-head with. He’s the only driver on the grid that you’d want to be teammates with to see your competitiveness with.

"You’re either fighting for a championship or you’re not, and if you’re not, no one ever wants to fight for P2. So, I’m ready for it, but I know my time… I have to be patient."