Max Verstappen also wants to be active in long-distance racing alongside Formula 1 in 2027. After his debut at the Nürburgring this year, the Red Bull driver is heading back to the Eifel region. Furthermore, a start at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is also on the cards. Le Mans, however, does not play a role in his current plans.
Max Verstappen has concretized his plans for possible participation in long-distance racing in 2027. The four-time Formula 1 world champion can once again consider starting the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is also an interesting option for the Dutchman.
Crucial to this is, among other things, the Formula 1 calendar. The two GT3 classics will take place in weekends in 2027, on days when no Grand Prix of the premier class is being held. The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is scheduled for the final weekend in May and thus falls between the Formula 1 race in Canada and the Grand Prix of Monaco. Spa follows at the end of June, during a phase without Formula 1 racing.
Verstappen made it clear during a media round ahead of the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan that he aims to return to the Nordschleife. At the same time, he made it clear that a final decision depends on further factors. In addition to proper preparation, the commitment must also be compatible with his personal racing schedule.
Revenge on the Nordschleife
Verstappen completed his first 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2026. Together with the Mercedes-AMG team Winward, he competed in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 and was in a promising position in the race at one point. However, a technical fault prematurely ended his participation.
The failure is likely to have further strengthened his desire to participate again. Verstappen had already stated immediately after the race that he would like to return to the Nordschleife. The GT3 races reportedly provided him with great driving pleasure.
Even off the track, his performance in 2026 generated enormous attention. The race weekend at the Nürburgring set a new attendance record with more than 350,000 visitors.
Verstappen is also closely associated with GT3 racing, not just since his appearance at the Nürburgring. The Dutchman is intensively involved in long-distance and GT races, regularly drives various GT3 vehicles, and has been represented by his own racing team in the GT World Challenge since 2025. At the Nürburgring, Verstappen Racing has partnered with Winward, and a cooperation with 2 Seas Racing exists for possible activities within the GT World Challenge Europe.
Spa as a second option
In addition to the Nordschleife, 2027 will also see Spa-Francorchamps take center stage. The 24 Hours of Spa are also among the major GT3 endurance races and take place at the end of June. Here, too, the Formula 1 calendar generally allows for participation.
Verstappen described a start in Spa as an interesting possibility. Unlike at Le Mans, such an effort would not require a comparable sequence of Formula 1 racing weekends and additional preparation sessions.
The Red Bull driver has not yet confirmed a firm commitment; his statements are, however, to be understood as concrete considerations subject to his preparations and the Formula 1 calendar.
Le Mans remains out of the picture for the time being
However, according to current regulations, Verstappen will not participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027. Although the race does not conflict with a Formula 1 Grand Prix, starting at the Sarthe would require significantly more preparation.
In addition, Verstappen Racing is not currently involved in the Hypercar program of the World Endurance Championship. Therefore, additional testing and preparations would be necessary for a possible Le Mans entry. The date would also fall into a phase where the Formula 1 season is particularly close together.
With that, Verstappens current plans are focused on the two GT3 classics of Nürburgring and Spa. Whether actual race appearances result from these considerations ultimately depends on the preparation and his schedule.
Norris and Leclerc also show interest in long-distance racing
Verstappen is not the only Formula 1 driver who is interested in long-distance racing. Lando Norris recently completed a test with the new McLaren hypercar in Portimão. McLaren will enter the long-distance world championship with its own hypercar program in 2027.
However, a short-term Le Mans start for Norris cannot be inferred from this. The current world champion emphasized that his focus remains on Formula 1. However, he does not rule out a later appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has also expressed an interest in taking part in Le Mans in the future. In particular, a joint effort with his brother Arthur, who is currently active in GT3 racing, is being considered. However, Leclerc’s focus is currently on Formula 1.
For Max Verstappen, a somewhat different picture emerges: While Le Mans is not currently on his personal list, the 24 Hours at Nürburgring and Spa remain concrete options for 2027.