Verstappen Wants Spa 24 Hours Clear of F1 Clash in 2027

Max Verstappen is keeping one eye on the Austrian Grand Prix and another firmly fixed on the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, where his own GT3 squad is competing. The four-time world champion revealed he has already lobbied organizers to schedule the 2027 edition clear of any Formula 1 clash, hoping to finally secure a seat in the twice-around-the-clock classic at his favorite circuit.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's push to compete at Spa underscores a growing appetite among top F1 drivers for high-profile endurance racing outside the championship. His participation would deliver enormous visibility to the event while reigniting debate over F1's congested calendar and its restrictions on drivers pursuing outside opportunities.

The details:

• Verstappen Racing has entered a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO in this year's Spa 24 Hours, with drivers Daniel Juncadella, Chris Lulham and Jules Gounon qualifying seventh in the combined sessions.
• From the Red Bull Ring, Verstappen said he will watch the action whenever possible, remaining heavily invested as a team owner despite being unable to race himself.
• Spa-Francorchamps holds unique appeal for the Dutchman as his preferred venue on the F1 calendar, and the GT3-only format adds to the attraction of a potential 2027 debut.
• When quizzed on simply skipping an F1 weekend to race at Spa, Verstappen laughed off the suggestion, noting Red Bull would never sign off on such an absence.
• The Spa ambition sits alongside other long-term goals, including returns to the Nürburgring 24 Hours and potential maiden outings at both Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

What's next:

A schedule adjustment for 2027 would give Verstappen his first realistic shot at competing in one of endurance racing's blue-riband events without jeopardizing his Red Bull seat. Until then, he remains limited to following his team's progress from the paddock, waiting for the calendar stars to align.