<p>Max Verstappen casually dropped a bombshell this week that sent Australian motorsport fans into a frenzy: the four-time Formula One world champion revealed he recently drove a Supercars machine.</p> <p>Why? Because - apparently - he's thinking about tackling the iconic Bathurst 1000. If you’re new to the Great Race and want a plain-English overview of markets and formats, see <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-bathurst-1000">Bathurst betting explained</a>.</p> <p>"I drove it last week, it was a lot of fun," Verstappen said in a video posted on Red Bull Racing's social media platforms. When asked about the legendary Mount Panorama endurance race, he added simply: "Maybe Bathurst."</p> <p>Those two words carry serious weight. Verstappen is not one who tends to make throwaway comments about racing commitments, and his interest in Australia's premier touring car event suggests something like a genuine intrigue rather than polite deflection.</p> <p>The timing certainly makes sense, given Ford's expanding relationship with Red Bull across multiple motorsport categories.</p> <h2>The Ford Connection</h2> <p>Details about Verstappen's test drive remain deliberately vague for now. Sources suggest the reveal will come during Ford Racing's season launch in Detroit on January 15, where Verstappen is scheduled to appear on stage.</p> <p>That event marks Ford's return to Formula One as a powertrain partner with Red Bull Racing for 2026. If you’re following the season, you can check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/motor-racing/formula-1">F1 odds</a> to see how the market is viewing the title picture.</p> <p>The Supercar Verstappen drove was likely the Gen3 Ford Mustang currently living in the United States.</p> <p>Dick Johnson Racing built the car, which Ford purchased following wind tunnel testing during the 2023/24 off-season. It's been sitting there, apparently waiting for moments exactly like this one.</p> <p>Ford's motorsport empire now extends across continents and categories. The Blue Oval backs Red Bull's F1 program, supports Triple Eight in Supercars following their switch from General Motors, and maintains presence in various GT and endurance racing series.</p> <p>Having their star F1 driver sample Australian touring car machinery fits the broader marketing strategy perfectly.</p> <p>On top of that, Verstappen has actually encountered Supercars before, though never in a competitive capacity.</p> <p>Back in 2019 at Albert Park, he experienced a hot lap alongside Jamie Whincup in a Triple Eight Holden Commodore. That ride-along probably felt tame compared to actually piloting one of these machines himself.</p> <p>The Gen3 Mustangs are serious racing cars: roughly 650 horsepower, manual gearboxes, and built for aggressive door-to-door racing on circuits ranging from street courses to the fearsome 6.2-kilometer Mount Panorama. They demand completely different skills than Formula One cars, with less downforce, more weight, and fundamentally different driving dynamics. For a refresher on the tactical side of single-seaters, here’s a clear primer on <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/formula-1/news/f1-strategy-explained">how F1 strategy works</a>.</p> <p>For someone who's dominated F1 through precision and adaptability, the challenge would be enticing. Verstappen has increasingly embraced racing outside Formula One during recent years, establishing his own GT team and competing in events like the Nürburgring endurance races. He's won races in GT3 machinery, proving his versatility extends beyond single-seaters.</p> <h2>Will Verstappen Race at Bathurst 1000?</h2> <p>Actually appearing at Bathurst would require significant logistics. The race typically occurs during F1's hectic season finale stretch, though 2026's calendar might offer flexibility depending on scheduling.</p> <p>Verstappen would need a co-driver for the endurance format, extensive practice to learn the circuit properly, and permission from Red Bull to take the risk.</p> <p>That last point matters more than fans might assume since Red Bull invests massive resources in Verstappen's F1 program, and racing a Supercar at Bathurst carries inherent dangers.</p> <p>The circuit has witnessed serious accidents over its history, and no team principal wants their championship contender injured in an outside commitment.</p> <p>Yet the Ford connection provides a potential pathway. If the manufacturer that powers Verstappen's F1 car also campaigns Supercars in Australia, collaborative opportunities exist that might satisfy all stakeholders.</p> <p>A Bathurst appearance could serve as marketing gold for Ford, content gold for Formula One, and personal satisfaction for Verstappen.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/formula-1/news/indycar-vs-formula-1-differences">IndyCar or F1? The key differences that shape each series</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/formula-1/news/youngest-f1-drivers-ever">The teenagers who took on F1 before they were old enough to rent a car</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/formula-1/news/f1-drivers-net-worth-2025-richest">The money behind the grid: who’s earning what in F1 this season</a></li> </ul>