Verstappen reveals plans for 2027 24-hour races amid Le Mans hype

Next year, the 24-hour races at Le Mans, the Nordschleife, and Spa-Francorchamps will not clash with Formula 1 weekends. Many fans hoped Verstappen would also test himself at Le Mans next year, but the Dutchman explained that the race is not on his agenda for 2027.

He said ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: "Nurburgring and Spa, probably. Le Mans not. That's not on my list for now. But, yeah, I mean, I said already, of course, after the race at the Nordschleife that I wanted to go back. So if it allows me to prepare well and it all works out well, I know it there is no clash, but it it still needs to work out on my schedule, then I'll do it. And Spa is an exciting option, yeah, to do it."

Alonso and Verstappen have prevously discussed racing together at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. According to the Spaniard, much depends on Verstappen’s availability. When asked what’s needed for them to line up together, he replied: “For Max to have more room in his schedule.”

For 2027, Alonso isn’t counting on that yet. "No. I don’t think it’s going to happen next year, but maybe in the future."

The 24 Hours of the Nurburgring will take place next year from May 27 to 30. As usual, the Nordschleife Langstrecken-Series (NLS) serve as preparation. For now, NLS1 and NLS2 clash with the Saudi Arabian and Chinese Grands Prix, moreover, the N24 Qualifiers overlap with the Miami Grand Prix.

This year, the organizers made an exception for Verstappen by moving NLS2, which he was keen to enter to prepare for his debut, to an F1-free weekend.

The organizers could do so again this year, provided it does not prevent drivers from IMSA, WEC, and GT World Challenge from participating. With so many big names from various branches of motorsport involved, the championship has to take numerous factors into account when rescheduling races.

In that respect, the 24 Hours of Spa appears a bit more straightforward, and Verstappen knows the track very well, of course.

For teams competing in the 24 Hours of Spa, participation in the Spa 24H Prologue, a two-day test held before the event, is mandatory. They must be present with at least one car of each model with which they will race, but there is no general requirement for every driver in the race lineup to take part.