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Ford Confirms Talks With Max Verstappen for a Le Mans Hypercar Drive
TL;DR
Ford is in active discussions with Max Verstappen about a potential drive in a Le Mans Hypercar. The talks reflect Verstappen's interest in endurance racing beyond Formula 1.
Key points
- Ford is discussing a Le Mans Hypercar drive with Max Verstappen.
- Mark Rushbrook confirmed the ongoing talks about racing opportunities.
- Verstappen aims to expand his racing career beyond Formula 1.
- He will compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours as part of his GT racing pursuits.
- Scheduling conflicts with Formula 1 could impact the Le Mans bid.
Mentioned in this story
Max VerstappenFordRed Bull
Le MansNurburgring 24 HoursFormula 1
Max Verstappen racing a Ford at Le Mans isn’t a pipe dream someone floated on a podcast. It’s a conversation Ford is actively having with the man himself, and Mark Rushbrook isn’t hiding it. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Ford Performance‘s global director confirmed the discussions are real and ongoing.
When asked if talks had taken place, Rushbrook didn’t hide his enthusiasm to have an ally in the Dutchman: “Yes, of course.
“We love Max. We love what he does in the Formula 1 car, on the track. We love him off the track. He’s a great person, as much as he’s a great driver. We love his passion to be racing GT3, like he is, and what he does with developing drivers through sim racing and getting them on the track. So, of course, we have regular discussions with him about what are the opportunities to do more in sportscar, including Hypercar. He’s a racer. He wants to race,” Rushbrook said.
Verstappen’s name keeps coming up in the endurance world, given his appetite for long-distance racing and his existing ties to Ford through Red Bull Powertrains. The four-time champion has made clear in recent years that he wants to do more outside of Formula 1, and he will compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, his next step in GT racing.
A Le Mans outright bid is the obvious target, and Ford is the obvious partner – except for when the calendar gets in the way.
The Schedule Is the Problem, Not the Will
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, keeping his schedule locked up for the foreseeable future with 24-race seasons.
“He wants to go race Le Mans and race for the overall win, but most years the schedule doesn’t allow it, right? While he’s a committed Formula 1 driver, most years now it’s a conflict. I think we’re just talking about what the opportunity is and if and when it makes sense, and everybody wants to do it, then great.”
Q&A
What did Ford confirm about Max Verstappen's involvement in Le Mans?
Ford confirmed that they are actively discussing a potential drive for Max Verstappen in a Le Mans Hypercar.
Why is Max Verstappen interested in racing outside of Formula 1?
Max Verstappen has expressed a desire to participate in more endurance racing events, including the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
Who is Mark Rushbrook and what did he say about Verstappen?
Mark Rushbrook is Ford Performance's global director, and he expressed enthusiasm for Verstappen's potential involvement in sportscar racing.
What challenges could affect Verstappen's potential Le Mans bid with Ford?
The main challenge for Verstappen's potential Le Mans bid with Ford could be scheduling conflicts with the Formula 1 calendar.
