While Verstappen is racing in Formula 1 in Austria, his sights are also set on the 24 Hours of Spa—he has already expressed a clear desire for 2027
While Max Verstappen is competing in the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, his thoughts keep wandering back to the 24 Hours of Spa. The four-time world champion is closely following the endurance classic and once again gives the impression that his enthusiasm for GT and endurance racing is now almost as great as his passion for the premier class itself.
Verstappen had already stated in the past that he would love to compete in the historic GT race in the Ardennes if it didn’t coincide with a Formula 1 weekend. This year, he is at least represented in name as team principal.
His team, Verstappen Racing, is fielding a Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO in Red Bull livery. The car will be driven by Daniel Juncadella, Chris Lulham, and Jules Gounon and finished seventh in Thursday’s combined qualifying session.
Verstappen is following the race from Spielberg
Verstappen is following the action as closely as possible. “Yes, I’ll try to watch as much of it as I can. The car is being driven by our drivers, so I’m very closely involved this weekend,” says Verstappen. According to him, he’s even watching the sessions on his phone shortly before his media appearance in Spielberg.
Ideally, however, the Dutchman would like to be behind the wheel himself as early as next year. He has already conveyed this wish to the organizers. “Of course, I’d love to be able to race at Spa, too. I’ve already told them that for next year. Ideally, they could schedule the race outside of a Formula 1 weekend. We’ll see.”
Spa is one of Verstappen’s favorite tracks
The 24 Hours of Spa has long been one of the races Verstappen is eager to compete in. In addition to his special connection to the track, he is particularly drawn to the race format, which features exclusively GT3 cars. “Spa is a fantastic track, and a 24-hour race with only GT cars is something very special.”
The fact that Verstappen is now seizing every opportunity to talk about his endurance racing plans is perhaps no longer a coincidence. He repeatedly emphasizes his desire to compete in major GT classics himself as soon as possible. That’s why he now hopes that an opportunity will arise in the future to race the endurance classic at Spa without it conflicting with the Formula 1 season.
When asked—half-jokingly—if he might skip a Grand Prix if he were no longer in contention for the title, the Dutchman responds with a laugh: “I’m sure Red Bull wouldn’t be too happy about that.”
Also Setting His Sights on the Nürburgring, Le Mans, and Daytona
In addition to the 24 Hours of Spa, another endurance classic is on Verstappen’s personal wish list. He would like to return to the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring Nordschleife next year. In the long term, the Dutch driver also aims to compete in both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona in a GT car, provided his Formula 1 schedule allows it.
His statements over the past few months paint an increasingly clear picture. Verstappen is evidently no longer planning his future exclusively in Formula 1, but is simultaneously pursuing his ambitions in GT and endurance racing with ever-greater determination.