Max Verstappen is planning to compete in the 2027 Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours alongside his Formula 1 commitments, while postponing his debut at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The four-time world champion has identified the two endurance classics as potential additions to his racing schedule, with the newly announced 2027 F1 calendar offering an opportunity to compete without missing any Grands Prix.
The absence of scheduling clashes between Formula 1 and three of the world’s most prestigious endurance races has opened the door to an unusually busy season for the Red Bull driver. However, while Max Verstappen is enthusiastic about returning to the Nürburgring Nordschleife and potentially racing at Spa-Francorchamps, he has made clear that Le Mans is not currently among his priorities.
Max Verstappen targets Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours in 2027
The official 2027 Formula 1 calendar avoids direct clashes with Le Mans, Nürburgring and Spa, giving drivers the possibility of participating in major endurance events alongside their Grand Prix commitments. Max Verstappen has already turned his attention towards two of those opportunities, as he looks to combine his Formula 1 campaign with further endurance racing appearances.
The Dutchman is particularly interested in returning to the Nürburgring Nordschleife during the weekend of 30 May, which falls between the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and the Monaco Grand Prix. He is also considering the Spa 24 Hours, scheduled for 24–27 June, between the Formula 1 rounds at Portimão and Silverstone.
For Max Verstappen, the prospect of competing at both venues represents an opportunity to pursue his passion for endurance racing without directly sacrificing his commitments with Red Bull. Nevertheless, fitting the necessary preparation around an already demanding Formula 1 programme remains an important consideration.
Why Max Verstappen is delaying his Le Mans debut
Although the 2027 calendar also avoids a direct clash with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Max Verstappen has decided not to prioritise an appearance in the famous French endurance race for the time being. His decision is influenced by the extensive preparation required to compete at Le Mans, as well as a scheduling complication involving the event’s official Test Day.
The Le Mans Test Day, which is normally required for drivers making their debut in the event, is scheduled for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. This creates an additional obstacle for Max Verstappen, despite the main 24-hour race itself not conflicting with Formula 1.
Speaking in the Baku paddock, the four-time Formula 1 world champion outlined his plans and made it clear that the Nürburgring and Spa are currently his preferred options.
“I’ll probably race at the Nürburgring and Spa, but not at Le Mans. For now, it’s not on my list, I’m not thinking about it,” Max Verstappen explained.
His comments leave the possibility of a future Le Mans debut open, but indicate that the event is not part of his immediate plans for 2027. Instead, the Red Bull driver is concentrating on endurance races that can be accommodated more easily alongside his Formula 1 schedule.
Verstappen wants another chance at the Nürburgring after 2026 retirement
Max Verstappen also confirmed that his desire to return to the Nordschleife dates back to his previous appearance in the Nürburgring 24 Hours earlier this year. The Dutch driver had already expressed his intention to compete there again, provided he could prepare properly and organise his commitments.
“I had already said after this year’s 24-hour race that I wanted to return to the Nordschleife. If I can prepare well and everything goes according to plan, I’ll do it. I know there are no clashes, but I still have to fit everything into my schedule. And Spa is also an exciting option.”
Max Verstappen participated in the Nürburgring 24 Hours during the spring of 2026, but his race ended in disappointment. Despite leading the event, he was forced to retire because of mechanical problems, denying him the opportunity to fight for victory.
That setback has left the Red Bull driver with unfinished business at the Nordschleife, a circuit where he has already invested considerable time developing his experience in GT racing. His involvement in the discipline has included obtaining the necessary Nürburgring permit for GT3 competition.
Returning to the German endurance classic therefore carries particular significance for Max Verstappen, who is determined to put the disappointment of his previous retirement behind him.
Will Verstappen compete in both 24-hour races alongside F1?
The absence of direct calendar clashes offers Max Verstappen an opportunity to contest both the Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours in 2027. However, the Dutchman has emphasised that his participation will depend on being able to complete the necessary preparation and integrate the events into his wider racing programme.
While the Nürburgring represents an opportunity to settle unfinished business, Spa-Francorchamps offers another appealing endurance challenge on the demanding circuit in the Belgian Ardennes.
For now, neither appearance should be regarded as an unconditional commitment. Max Verstappen’s intentions are clear, but the final decisions will depend on how successfully he can balance endurance racing with his Formula 1 responsibilities.
What appears increasingly likely, however, is that the Red Bull driver intends to make 2027 a particularly busy year on the track, combining his pursuit of success in Formula 1 with the opportunity to challenge himself in two of the world’s most prestigious endurance races. His Le Mans ambitions, meanwhile, will have to wait.
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