Source:REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
[Saba Sports News] Current F1 Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen recently went to the Estoril circuit in Portugal to test drive a Mercedes GT3 car. This test drive took place just a week after the conclusion of the F2025 season. Instead of choosing to take a break, Verstappen jumped straight into GT3 testing, leading many to speculate whether he is paving the way for a long-term career path outside of F1.Notably, as the core F1 driver for Red Bull, the fact that he tested a car from Mercedes, Red Bull’s old rival in F1, adds an interesting twist; the test car even bore a Red Bull-style livery. Such cross-branding in the racing industry is quite rare.I believe that, as a key driver for Red Bull, his testing of a competitor’s Mercedes car breaks down the invisible barriers between different brand camps in motorsport. Additionally, his continuous cross-disciplinary efforts showcase a role model for other top drivers, highlighting the potential for expanding a driver’s professional career. This injects vitality into the diversification of the racing world, and even fellow F1 drivers admire his freedom to participate in such cross-disciplinary events.