Verstappen's Le Mans plans blocked by 2027 F1 calendar clash with Portuguese GP

The full calendar is expected to be formally announced on Wednesday. But its provisional dates have already exposed a significant problem for Verstappen's well-documented ambitions beyond Formula 1. His own participation would depend entirely on the still-unpublished 2027 F1 calendar, the Dutchman said recently.

Verstappen has spoken openly for several years about his ambition to compete in endurance racing. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, the four-time world champion confirmed he has spoken to Fernando Alonso about teaming up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as GPblog reported at the time.

Ford, Red Bull's F1 technical partner, has confirmed talks with Verstappen about a Le Mans entry but ruled out the possibility of him joining its first WEC season in 2027. A Portuguese GP falling on the same weekend as Le Mans would close the door on any remaining 2027 possibility, regardless of which team Verstappen might join.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is scheduled for May in 2027, making it the only major endurance race that does not conflict with the provisional F1 schedule. Verstappen made his debut at the Nordschleife in May 2026, leading comfortably through the night with a gap of over 30 seconds before a driveshaft issue brought his team's hopes to a heartbreaking end with around four hours remaining. Verstappen has said he hopes to return next year.

The four-time world champion recently stressed that any endurance entry must be on his own terms. "If I participate, I want to do it my way," he said. "Yes, otherwise I won't participate." Verstappen has also expressed interest in the 24 Hours of Spa, but with that race scheduled for June 24 to 27 and also blocked by the Austrian GP, the Nürburgring remains his only realistic option for competitive racing outside Formula 1 in 2027.