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Verstappen Rules Out 2027 Le Mans Bid as Nürburgring and Spa Take Priority
Max Verstappen has dismissed a 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours entry despite a gap in the Formula 1 schedule, turning his focus toward potential 24-hour outings at the Nürburgring and Spa.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-09-23T13:41:44.000Z - 3 min read
Max Verstappen has ruled out an appearance at the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans, dampening immediate speculation that the newly published Formula 1 calendar would facilitate a high-profile bid at Circuit de la Sarthe. Speaking in the Baku paddock ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the four-time world champion confirmed that the French endurance classic does not feature in his plans for next year, despite the absence of a direct date clash on the grand prix schedule.
Initial excitement gathered across the paddock after Formula 1 released its 2027 schedule, which positioned the 95th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the weekend of 12 and 13 June. Nestled cleanly between the Monaco Grand Prix and the Portuguese Grand Prix, the race date appeared to offer a rare opportunity for current grand prix drivers to compete in endurance racing's blue-riband event without missing a championship round.
That theoretical opening quickly ran into regulatory friction. While the 24-hour race itself avoids a clash, the mandatory Le Mans test day for first-time entrants is set for the very weekend Formula 1 visits Monte Carlo. Bypassing that rookie running requirement is not permitted under event regulations, presenting any debutant with an extreme travel and operational puzzle. Whether race organisers or prospective entrants can find a workaround remains unconfirmed, but the overlap presents an imposing obstacle for grand prix competitors, including Lando Norris, who has previously voiced interest in contesting the 24-hour race.
Speaking to reporters in Azerbaijan about his racing ambitions outside Formula 1, Verstappen made his position plain. Describing Le Mans as off his list for now, the Dutchman emphasised that any extracurricular project must allow sufficient time to prepare properly. He acknowledged that while the race weekend itself is clear of a grand prix, integrating an intensive endurance programme into an already demanding schedule requires careful alignment rather than a hurried compromise.
Rather than pursuing Circuit de la Sarthe, Verstappen pointed toward established GT3 endurance fixtures where he already holds unfinished business. He highlighted the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps as his preferred targets for 2027. Both European fixtures offer world-class sports car competition, and Verstappen reiterated his strong desire to return to the Nordschleife following his previous outing on the demanding German circuit.
That ambition is shaped heavily by his earlier debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, where victory slipped away in the closing stages. Sharing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with teammates Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella and Lucas Auer, Verstappen had helped steer the car into the overall lead before a driveshaft failure struck with just over three hours remaining. The cruel mechanical stoppage denied the crew a landmark win, cementing his resolve to seek redemption on the Nordschleife as soon as his racing commitments permit.
Significant details regarding Verstappen's 2027 sports car outings still await confirmation, including team structures, car choices and whether his final calendar can accommodate both endurance events alongside his Formula 1 duties. What is settled is that Le Mans will have to wait. For now, the four-time world champion is keeping his attention fixed on grand prix competition in Baku, with any sports car ambitions firmly focused on Germany and Belgium instead of France.