{"id":2687,"date":"2026-09-23T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=2687"},"modified":"2026-09-23T15:04:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T18:04:42","slug":"verstappen-and-antonelli-linked-with-blockbuster-2027-bathurst-12-hour-appearance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/verstappen-and-antonelli-linked-with-blockbuster-2027-bathurst-12-hour-appearance\/","title":{"rendered":"Verstappen and Antonelli linked with blockbuster 2027 Bathurst 12 Hour appearance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli have been linked with the 2027 Bathurst 12 Hour by Australian broadcaster <em>Fox Sports<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verstappen has repeatedly expressed his desire to race at Mount Panorama, while Antonelli wants to contest an endurance event alongside him.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The calendar permits both drivers to compete, but neither entry has been confirmed and Mercedes previously restricted Antonelli\u2019s GT ambitions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli have been linked with a blockbuster appearance at the <strong>2027 Bathurst 12 Hour<\/strong>, although neither Formula 1 driver has confirmed an entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Australian broadcaster <em>Fox Sports<\/em> discussed the possibility during its <em>Motorsport 360<\/em> programme, presenting the prospect of an \u201cF1 invasion\u201d at Mount Panorama. The report strengthens indications that Bathurst is pursuing Verstappen and exploring Antonelli\u2019s availability, but does not establish that agreements have been signed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verstappen remains the more realistic candidate.<\/strong> The four-time F1 champion has repeatedly stated that he wants to race at Bathurst and already operates an established GT3 programme through Verstappen.com Racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI like Bathurst,\u201d Verstappen said during the Australian GP weekend. \u201cIt\u2019s an amazing track and a place that I definitely would like to race at. If that\u2019s going to be in GT3 or V8, I don\u2019t know yet, but for sure that would be something really cool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Antonelli has not publicly identified Bathurst as a specific objective. However, the Mercedes driver has declared that he wants to share an endurance car with Verstappen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI would love to do an endurance race with Max together,\u201d Antonelli said earlier this year. \u201cI think that would be really cool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mercedes-AMG provides the obvious route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the project progresses, a Mercedes-AMG GT3 would provide the most natural platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen\u2019s GT3 programme has already used Mercedes machinery prepared by Winward Racing. Antonelli is a Mercedes Formula 1 driver, creating an obvious commercial and technical connection between the two programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dutchman also possesses access to drivers with extensive Mount Panorama experience. Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella and Lucas Auer shared Verstappen\u2019s N\u00fcrburgring programme, and all three have previously competed in the Bathurst 12 Hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gounon is a three-time winner of the Australian endurance race and has claimed five podiums in six appearances. Juncadella finished second in 2022, while Auer secured pole position in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen has also won the virtual Bathurst 12 Hour twice with Team Redline, giving him considerable simulator experience around Mount Panorama. The real circuit\u2019s narrow walls, elevation changes and limited run-off would nevertheless present an entirely different test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Red Bull driver has already explained <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/verstappen-targets-nurburgring-and-spa-in-2027-but-rules-out-le-mans-for-now\/\">why N\u00fcrburgring and Spa are ahead of Le Mans in his immediate endurance plans<\/a>. Bathurst now appears to offer another realistic addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mercedes approval is Antonelli\u2019s largest obstacle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Antonelli\u2019s desire to race with Verstappen does not guarantee that Mercedes will release him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The manufacturer previously prevented the Italian from pursuing the permit required to compete on the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife. Mercedes representative Bradley Lord dismissed the immediate prospect and suggested Antonelli could revisit the idea after winning four world championships\u2014a reference to Verstappen\u2019s status when he expanded into GT competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That position could make a Bathurst appearance difficult. <strong>Antonelli leads the 2026 F1 championship and may enter 2027 as the reigning world champion<\/strong>, increasing both his commercial value and Mercedes\u2019 reluctance to expose him to additional risk immediately before pre-season testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bathurst\u2019s demanding layout creates another consideration. Mount Panorama combines high-speed sections with walls positioned close to the racing line, leaving little margin for error across the top of the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen\u2019s existing GT3 experience gives Red Bull a stronger basis for approving his participation. Antonelli would require dedicated preparation and clearance from Mercedes before any entry could proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calendar removes one major barrier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>2027 Bathurst 12 Hour will run from February 11\u201314<\/strong>, while Formula 1\u2019s only pre-season test is scheduled for February 24\u201327 in Bahrain. The championship begins at the same circuit from March 12\u201314.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both drivers would therefore have ten days between Bathurst and the beginning of official F1 testing. <strong>There is no direct calendar clash.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/f1-confirms-2027-calendar-with-24-races-and-record-10-sprint-weekends\/\">2027 Formula 1 calendar also avoids clashes with several major endurance races<\/a>, creating potential openings around the N\u00fcrburgring 24 Hours, Le Mans and the Spa 24 Hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Travel and preparation would still be demanding. Verstappen and Antonelli would need to return from Australia, complete their respective F1 launch and simulator obligations and then travel to Bahrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bathurst interest is real\u2014but entries remain unconfirmed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The current information supports three separate conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bathurst is seriously interested in Verstappen.<\/strong> The Dutchman wants to compete at Mount Panorama and has the GT3 structure required to make an entry possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Antonelli has been linked with the event and wants to race alongside Verstappen<\/strong>, but Mercedes has previously restricted his endurance plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The possibility of both drivers sharing the same car remains speculative. Separate Mercedes-AMG entries would also be possible if their respective programmes received approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For now, the Australian report establishes a compelling target rather than a completed driver line-up. The 2027 Bathurst 12 Hour takes place at Mount Panorama from February 11\u201314, with Formula 1 testing beginning in Bahrain on February 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WEC, IMSA and endurance: FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Could the 24 Hours of Le Mans leave the WEC?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, but no separation has been confirmed. If the FIA replaces the ACO as WEC promoter and the organisations do not renew the separate agreement covering Le Mans, the race could cease to count towards the championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans at risk of cancellation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The reported dispute concerns Le Mans\u2019 position within the WEC, not whether the race will take place. The ACO has already announced the 2027 event for June 9\u201313.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who currently promotes the World Endurance Championship?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Le Mans Endurance Management, a subsidiary of the ACO, operates the WEC under its partnership with the FIA. <em>Auto Motor und Sport<\/em> reports that the governing body is considering a new promoter after the existing agreements expired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will Max Verstappen race in the 2027 Bathurst 12 Hour?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen is a serious target and has publicly said that he wants to race at Bathurst, but his participation has not been officially confirmed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Australian reports have connected the Formula 1 stars with Mount Panorama, but team approval remains a significant obstacle\u2014particularly for championship leader Antonelli<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1001032557,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Could Verstappen and Antonelli race together at the 2027 Bathurst 12 Hour?","42wp_featured_image_credits":"AFP","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":7,"location":""}],"footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[602,559,314,64],"42wp_author":[7],"class_list":["post-2687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-endurance","tag-bathurst-12-hour","tag-endurance","tag-kimi-antonelli","tag-max-verstappen","42wp_author-victor-martins"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2687"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2689,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2687\/revisions\/2689"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1001032557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2687"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2687"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=2687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}