Max Verstappen has reportedly held discussions with Ford regarding a possible future Le Mans 24 Hours project. The talks come as Ford deepens its involvement with Red Bull Racing through the team’s upcoming Formula 1 power unit program for 2026.
The American manufacturer is currently partnered with Red Bull Powertrains to provide technical support for Formula 1’s next-generation engine regulations beginning in 2026. At the same time, Ford is expanding its endurance racing presence through FIA World Endurance Championship involvement and a planned Hypercar project expected to target the 2027 season.
Verstappen’s interest in competing at Le Mans is not new. The four-time Formula 1 world champion has repeatedly expressed his passion for endurance racing, particularly in Hypercar and GT3 competition. However, the Formula 1 calendar remains the biggest obstacle, including in 2026 when the Le Mans 24 Hours directly clashes with the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona-Catalunya.
Ford Motorsport boss Mark Rushbrook confirmed that conversations with Verstappen have already taken place. Ford views Verstappen as an ideal figure not only because of his Formula 1 success, but also due to his involvement in GT racing and driver development through sim racing programs.
“Yes, of course. We love Max. We love what he does in the Formula 1 car on the track,” Rushbrook told Motorsport Netherlands.
“We also love him off the track. He is a great person just as much as he is a great driver. We love his passion for GT3 racing and what he does developing drivers through sim racing and bringing them onto real circuits.”
Rushbrook added that Ford continues to explore future sportscar opportunities with Verstappen, including the possibility of involvement in a future Hypercar program.
“Of course, we continue discussing with him the opportunities to do more in sportscar racing, including Hypercar. He wants to race at Le Mans and fight for the overall victory, but in most seasons the schedule conflicts with his Formula 1 commitments.”
Ford has not yet officially revealed full details of its Hypercar plans, but a move into top-level endurance racing is widely viewed as a strategic step to strengthen the brand’s global motorsport presence. Verstappen’s involvement would provide a major technical and commercial boost if such a project eventually materializes.
Beyond his Formula 1 career, Verstappen has become increasingly active in sim racing and GT endurance competition. The Dutch driver has participated in multiple private GT3 tests and endurance-related activities, further reinforcing speculation that he is seriously considering a future Le Mans campaign once his peak Formula 1 years come to an end.
Although no formal decision has been made, the possibility of a future Verstappen and Ford Hypercar partnership is now emerging as one of the most intriguing storylines ahead of endurance racing’s new era in 2027.
Baca Juga
Max Verstappen dikabarkan telah berdiskusi dengan Ford mengenai peluang proyek Le Mans Hypercar di masa depan setelah kerja sama Ford dan Red Bull.
Juan Pablo Montoya menilai Red Bull dan Ford perlu menekan Max Verstappen terkait penggunaan Mercedes GT3 di Nürburgring 24 Hours.
McLaren luncurkan hypercar MCL-HY untuk WEC 2027, membuka jalan kembali ke Le Mans dan ambisi menyempurnakan Triple Crown motorsport.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!