Max Verstappen has ruled himself out of competing in the 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours despite no direct clash with Formula 1. The Red Bull Racing driver revealed his plans to race in other endurance events, namely the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours.
This decision comes after Verstappen was previously linked to a Le Mans entry following the release of the 2027 F1 calendar. The legendary race at Circuit de la Sarthe is scheduled for 12-13 June 2027, falling between the Monaco and Portuguese Grands Prix. Theoretically, F1 drivers could participate, but mandatory test day rules pose a complication as it clashes with the Monaco GP weekend.
"Nurburgring and Spa, probably," Verstappen told reporters in Baku ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix when asked about his plans to race outside of F1 in 2027. "Le Mans, that's not on my list for now. I said already, after the race at the Nordschleife, that I wanted to go back. If it allows me to prepare well, I know there is no clash, but it still needs to work out in my schedule, then I'll do it. And Spa is an exciting option."
Verstappen was denied victory on his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours after a late reliability issue for his car cost him a shot at winning the iconic race. The Dutchman and his teammates Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella, and Lucas Auer were leading until a driveshaft problem stuck their Mercedes-AMG GT3 with just over three hours remaining.
Although he won't be at Le Mans, Verstappen remains interested in endurance racing. Nurburgring and Spa are his priorities, provided they don't interfere with his F1 commitments. This decision also dismisses speculation that he might follow in the footsteps of drivers like Lando Norris, who has also expressed interest in Le Mans.
With a packed F1 schedule, Verstappen must carefully choose his races outside the main championship. The Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours offer different challenges, and he hopes to participate if possible. Meanwhile, Le Mans is not a priority for now.
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