Max Verstappen is interested in joining the Le Mans 24 Hours race – but only if one condition is met.
Max Verstappen has been chatting with Ford about possibly joining the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Even though he’s signed with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen has started to think about his future beyond Formula 1 and is showing more interest in sports car racing.
Next weekend, Verstappen will make his first appearance at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. He has also talked about wanting to race at Le Mans one day and maybe even starting his own racing team down the line.
The talks with Ford came after the company teamed up with Red Bull earlier this year to get back into Formula 1. Ford is also planning to return to top-level sports car racing next year, with plans to enter two cars in the World Endurance Championship, which includes Le Mans.
Mark Rushbrook, Ford Racing’s global director, said that while they’ve had early talks about Verstappen entering Le Mans, it won’t happen in 2027 just yet. He told reporters before the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC race that he’d love to see Verstappen race for Ford in Le Mans, but a lot needs to fall into place first.
Next year might be too soon for Verstappen to join the race, but Rushbrook didn’t close the door on the idea of him racing at Le Mans while still competing in F1. The last active F1 driver to race—and win—at Le Mans was Fernando Alonso in 2018, and before him, Nico Hulkenberg won in 2015.
Rushbrook also shared that talks with Verstappen have been happening for over three years, ever since Ford and Red Bull teamed up. The biggest challenge is scheduling, as Verstappen is interested but needs to make sure it fits into his busy calendar.
“He wants to race Le Mans and aim for the win, but most years the schedule doesn’t allow it,” Rushbrook explained. “We’re just exploring the opportunity and if it makes sense for everyone, then great.”
This year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is set for June 10 to 14—the same weekend as the Catalunya Grand Prix—so scheduling will be tricky.