Max Verstappen has addressed Daniel Ricciardo’s recent proposal to team up for a future entry in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Verstappen indicated that while the prospect holds appeal, any participation would require extensive preparation to ensure a competitive challenge.
Ricciardo, who concluded his Formula 1 career after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, recently expressed his desire for a one-off return to competitive racing at Le Mans. He named Verstappen as his preferred teammate for such an endeavour.
The Australian driver stated that a Le Mans appearance could provide a more satisfactory conclusion to his racing career. Ricciardo has largely maintained a low profile since his F1 departure.
When questioned about Ricciardo’s suggestion, Verstappen acknowledged the proposal. He described Ricciardo as a “smart man to choose me in the car.”
“He’s a smart man to choose me in the car,” Verstappen told reporters in Mexico. “But we have to see. It just depends on a lot of things. Also for me, if I want to do it, I want to do it properly with really good prep. At the moment I cannot do that. I don’t have the free time to dedicate to a Le Mans project with all the other things that I’m also doing outside of Formula 1.”
Verstappen has confirmed that he and Ricciardo have discussed the possibility privately. However, he stressed that his current Formula 1 commitments and other racing projects limit his availability for the necessary preparation.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion has ruled out competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027. This decision stands despite the 2027 F1 calendar not presenting a direct clash with the endurance event.
Verstappen’s immediate focus for endurance racing outside of Formula 1 is on the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. He plans to return to these events in 2027.
He actively participates in GT3 racing with his own ‘Verstappen Racing’ team, utilising Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO machinery. His recent outings include the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimão in October 2026.
Earlier in 2026, Verstappen competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. His team was leading the race before a driveshaft issue forced their retirement in the final hours.
Verstappen’s long-term ambition to compete at Le Mans remains. He maintains that a serious attempt would require a dedicated project and thorough preparation to contend for victory against full-season endurance competitors.
Beyond Ricciardo, Fernando Alonso has also expressed interest in forming a Le Mans team with Verstappen. Alonso is a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing victories in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota.
In related endurance racing news, Mercedes has temporarily prohibited Andrea Kimi Antonelli from competing at the Nürburgring. This restriction is in place to allow Antonelli to concentrate on his Formula 1 career, where he currently leads the championship.
Verstappen’s Formula 1 future is secured with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2030 season. He signed a contract extension in August 2026, ending previous speculation regarding his position within the team.
Ford Racing has also indicated an interest in integrating Verstappen into their sportscar programmes, including their Le Mans Hypercar efforts. However, any potential collaboration would not occur before 2028 due to Verstappen’s existing commitments with Mercedes-AMG in GT3.
