News Summary
- Max Verstappen says the Nürburgring and Spa 24-hour races are possible additions to his 2027 schedule.
- The Formula 1 calendar leaves both endurance weekends free of clashes next season.
- Despite previously expressing interest in Le Mans, Verstappen says it is not currently on his list.
Max Verstappen has identified the Nürburgring 24 Hours and 24 Hours of Spa as possible additions to his 2027 racing programme, but ruled out an immediate appearance at Le Mans.
The 2027 Formula 1 calendar avoids clashes with all three endurance races, creating several opportunities for Verstappen to continue competing away from the Grand Prix paddock.
Speaking to GRANDE PRÊMIO reporter Leonid Kliuev in Baku, Verstappen was asked which events he was considering for next season.
“Nürburgring and Spa, probably,” Verstappen said. “Le Mans not. That’s not on my list for now.”
The answer draws a clear distinction between the Dutchman’s immediate GT ambitions and his longer-term interest in prototype racing.
Nürburgring offers Verstappen clearest opportunity
The 2027 calendar leaves the Nürburgring 24 Hours weekend completely free.
The German race takes place from May 27-30, between the Canadian GP on May 23 and the Monaco GP on June 6. Verstappen would therefore have time to compete at the Nordschleife without missing an F1 event.
He made his Nürburgring 24 Hours debut in 2026 with Verstappen Racing, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo alongside Dani Juncadella. The programme strengthened his involvement in endurance racing beyond simply owning and supporting a team.
A return would provide continuity. Verstappen already knows the circuit, holds the required Nordschleife licence and has experience with the demands of its traffic, changing conditions and unusually large field.
The principal complication is preparation. Several Nürburgring endurance events used to prepare for the 24-hour race clash with Formula 1 weekends, potentially limiting his running before the main event.
Spa is also available—but creates tighter turnaround
Verstappen has repeatedly expressed an interest in the 24 Hours of Spa, one of the central events on the GT World Challenge Europe calendar.
The 2027 race is scheduled for June 24-27. Formula 1 visits Portimão on June 18-20 before heading to Silverstone for the British GP from July 2-4.
That creates a free weekend for Spa, although Verstappen would face three major events in consecutive weeks across Portugal, Belgium and Britain.
Spa would also fit naturally with Verstappen Racing’s existing GT programme. The team has already competed in the event, making it easier to construct an entry around an established operation rather than creating an isolated project.
The Nürburgring and Spa therefore offer something Le Mans currently cannot: direct compatibility with Verstappen’s GT3 programme.
Why Le Mans is not yet part of Verstappen’s plan
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is also free of a Formula 1 clash in 2027, taking place from June 9-13 between Monaco and Portugal.
Calendar space, however, is only one requirement. Verstappen would need an available Hypercar seat, sufficient preparation and confidence that the programme could challenge for victory.
A Le Mans entry would also involve adapting to prototype machinery and working within a manufacturer’s established World Endurance Championship operation. Nürburgring and Spa allow Verstappen to compete through the GT structure he has already helped build.
His “for now” qualification leaves Le Mans open as a future objective rather than rejecting it completely. Verstappen has previously discussed competing there, but his answer in Baku establishes that it is not among his immediate 2027 priorities.
The 2027 F1 calendar begins in Bahrain on March 14. Neither Verstappen Racing nor Red Bull has formally confirmed his participation in the Nürburgring or Spa 24-hour races.
F1 today: FAQ
What time is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
The race starts on Saturday at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time in Baku. Qualifying begins on Friday at 13:00 UK and 08:00 ET.
Why is the Azerbaijan GP being held on Saturday?
The race was moved forward because Sunday, 27 September, is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The full weekend shifted, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Baku?
No. Antonelli leads George Russell by 81 points, but cannot secure the title in Azerbaijan. Singapore is his earliest mathematical opportunity.
Will Max Verstappen race at the Nürburgring in 2027?
Verstappen says the Nürburgring 24 Hours is under consideration, but no entry has been formally confirmed.
