The Dutch driver has shown growing interest in sports car racing in recent years.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Ford has confirmed talks with Max Verstappen regarding a possible future appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, suggesting the four-time Formula 1 world champion could take part while still competing in F1.
Verstappen, 28, has secured four F1 world titles but has increasingly explored sports car racing, including establishing his own team. He will make his 24-hour race debut at the Nürburgring next weekend and has expressed a desire to race at Le Mans with the aim of winning overall.
Ford returned to Formula 1 in 2026 through a partnership with Red Bull for a new engine program. In 2027, the manufacturer will re-enter the top tier of sports car racing, the Hypercar class, with two cars in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which includes Le Mans. The existing relationship between Red Bull and Ford could pave the way for Verstappen to drive one of its Hypercars in the future.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC race, Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, said he “would love to see that, yes.”
“But a lot of things need to align for that to happen,” Rushbrook added. “Of course, that would be incredible for us, for the sport. We would love to see that.”
Rushbrook then confirmed that discussions with Verstappen about driving for Ford at Le Mans had taken place, though he clarified it would not occur in 2027.
Rushbrook stated he believes Verstappen could compete at Le Mans while still active in F1, “depending on the schedules and what’s going on.” The last active F1 driver to race at Le Mans was Fernando Alonso in 2018, who won that year’s event for Toyota. Nico Hulkenberg also claimed victory at Le Mans in 2015 with Porsche while racing full-time in F1.
When asked about Verstappen’s response to the talks, Rushbrook noted that “those discussions go back three-plus years,” dating back to when Ford’s partnership with Red Bull was first announced. He added that the Dutchman seemed interested in a program “with the right program, yeah.”
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull in F1 until the end of 2028 but revealed in late March he was considering his future in the series due to frustration with the all-new 2026 cars and their handling.
**F1 2027 Engine Rule Changes ‘A Good Step’**
On Friday, the FIA announced plans to adjust engine designs for 2027, moving from a near 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power to more of a 60/40 split. Many drivers have raised concerns about the reliance on electrical power in new cars, leading to fewer flat-out laps in qualifying and counterintuitive race strategies to recharge batteries.
“It’s stakeholders voicing their opinions, decision-makers making their decisions,” said Rushbrook. “But I think that is a good step to help the racing and the product on the track.”
Verstappen and Red Bull have had a challenging start to the new F1 season, finishing no higher than fifth in the first four races.
