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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen is eyeing a possible Le Mans appearance in the future. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen is eyeing a possible Le Mans appearance in the future. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The Dutchman\u2019s growing interest in sportscar racing has been matched by Ford\u2019s ambitions, with the manufacturer returning to top-level endurance competition in 2027 through a Hypercar program in the World Endurance Championship.<\/p>\n
Ford Racing boss Mark Rushbrook admitted the idea of Verstappen racing at Le Mans is firmly on the radar, even if it remains some way off.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would love to see that,\u201d Rushbrook told The Athletic.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of things need to align for that to happen, but that would of course be incredible for us, for the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ford partnered with Red Bull Racing on its 2026 Formula 1 engine project, placing Verstappen within its wider motorsport ecosystem just as it prepares a return to the top class at Le Mans.<\/p>\n
Rushbrook confirmed discussions with Verstappen had already taken place, although ruled out the 28-year-old joining Ford\u2019s Hypercar program for its first season in 2027.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be taking on too much,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Instead, discussions have centred on a longer-term opportunity, with both parties waiting for the right conditions to align.<\/p>\n
\u201cDepending on the schedules, it could be during [his F1 career] or both [during and after his F1 stint],\u201d Rushbrook added.<\/p>\n
\u201cDiscussions go back three-plus years. It\u2019s just looking for the right opportunity with the right programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028 but has already hinted at uncertainty over his long-term future in F1 amid frustrations with the current generation of cars.<\/p>\n
A Le Mans program could therefore fit either alongside his F1 commitments or become a focal point beyond them.<\/p>\n
The key obstacle remains timing. Calendar clashes have historically made it difficult for active F1 drivers to contest Le Mans, although it has been done before, most notably by Fernando Alonso, who won the race in 2018 with Toyota, and Nico Hulkenberg, victorious in 2015 with Porsche.<\/p>\n
Rushbrook suggested Verstappen is open to the challenge, provided the right package is in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wants to go race Le Mans and race for the overall win, but most years the schedule doesn\u2019t allow it, right?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019re just talking about what the opportunity is and if and when it makes sense, and everybody wants to do it, then great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Away from F1, Verstappen has steadily built his endurance racing credentials.<\/p>\n
He is set to make his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours this weekend<\/a> and has expanded his GT racing activities in recent seasons, including running his own team and competing in GT3 machinery<\/a>.<\/p>\n The four-time world champion also impressed during a recent Super GT test at Fuji Speedway<\/a> ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix in March.<\/p>\n
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