Verstappen rules out 2027 Le Mans, eyes Nurburgring and Spa 24 Hours

Max Verstappen has ruled out a 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours debut, but the four-time Formula 1 world champion is eyeing the Nurburgring and Spa 24-hour races instead. The recently revealed 2027 F1 calendar leaves the door ajar for endurance outings, with all three major 24-hour races falling on off-weekends.

Why it matters:

The potential involvement of F1's top stars in endurance racing would bring significant crossover attention to the WEC and GT racing. With SRO even adjusting dates to avoid clashes, the series are clearly keen to attract drivers like Verstappen and Lando Norris.

The details:

• Verstappen confirmed in Baku: "Nurburgring and Spa, probably. Le Mans, not. That's not on my list for now."
• Le Mans is sandwiched between Monaco and Portugal on 12-13 June, and its mandatory rookie test day clashes with Monaco – a key stumbling block.
• The Spa 24 Hours' official two-day test has been moved to 15-16 June, avoiding any F1 conflict, boosting Verstappen's chances.
• The Dutchman also wants another crack at the Nurburgring 24 Hours after his car dropped out of the lead with mechanical issues.
• Fernando Alonso, a two-time Le Mans winner, had floated teaming up with Verstappen, but said "I don't think next year that will happen."
• Lando Norris, who recently tested McLaren's Hypercar at Portimao, is interested long-term but insisted: "I'll never sacrifice something in F1 for something else."

What's next:

Verstappen remains cautious about his schedule, but the pieces are in place. "I know there is no clash, but it still needs to work out in my schedule, and then I'll do it," he said. A 2027 appearance at Spa or the Nurburgring looks realistic, while Le Mans could wait for another year.