Verstappen's Mercedes GT3 Switch & McLaren's $11.5M 2026 Car Sale

Max Verstappen is expanding his motorsport empire by switching his GT3 team to Mercedes-AMG machinery for the 2026 season, just as McLaren demonstrated the immense commercial value of Formula 1 by auctioning a build slot for its future 2026 car for over $11 million. These moves highlight the significant business and driver activities happening off the track, shaping the landscape beyond the Grand Prix weekends and adding new dimensions to the sport's ecosystem.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's move to Mercedes in GT3 is a significant commercial alignment, linking his personal brand with a major F1 manufacturer rival outside of his Red Bull commitments.
• McLaren's successful auction underscores the staggering financial power and exclusive appeal of modern F1, creating a new high-value revenue stream for the team.
• Both stories demonstrate how the business of F1 extends far beyond race day, involving high-stakes partnerships and innovative commercial strategies that captivate fans and investors alike.

The details:

• Verstappen's GT3 Plans: The Dutch driver's Team Redline, which won the 2025 Gold Cup with Aston Martin, will compete with Mercedes-AMG cars starting next season. The team recently conducted successful tests with the new machinery in Portimão, Portugal.
• McLaren's Record Auction: The reigning world champions auctioned a build slot for their 2026 F1 car, the MCL40A, for a stunning $11,480,000.
  • The car will be powered by a Mercedes-AMG power unit, but the buyer won't take delivery until 2028. A 2025 show car will be provided in the interim.
  • The exclusive package also includes a visit to the McLaren Technology Centre, hospitality at two Grands Prix, and access to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Team Redline's performance with the new Mercedes-AMG hardware in 2026 to see if their championship success continues with a new manufacturer. For McLaren, this auction could set a new precedent for teams to monetize future assets, though replicating such a high-price sale will be a challenge. These off-track developments will continue to add fascinating layers to the F1 narrative as the sport heads into its next era of regulations in 2026.