Max Verstappen has responded to Daniel Ricciardo’s recent comments regarding a potential Le Mans 24 Hours entry. Ricciardo, who concluded his Formula 1 career after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, expressed interest in a one-off endurance race for personal closure.
The Australian driver, now a Ford Racing ambassador, indicated that a full-time return to racing does not appeal to him.
Instead, Ricciardo seeks a single event where he can finish his career on his own terms, aiming to conclude with a positive experience.
He named Verstappen as a primary candidate for a Le Mans teammate, also suggesting Sebastian Vettel for a potential ‘Red Bull reunion.’
Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 champion, acknowledged Ricciardo’s proposition during media sessions at the recent Mexican Grand Prix.
He confirmed that discussions about a joint Le Mans effort have occurred between them.
However, Verstappen stated that he currently lacks the necessary time to commit to such a project.
His current schedule includes ongoing Formula 1 commitments and other racing activities.
Verstappen emphasized that any Le Mans participation would require thorough preparation to ensure a competitive chance at victory.
He stated, ‘If I want to do it, I want to do it properly, with really good prep.’
The Dutchman has been actively involved in GT racing through his Verstappen Racing GT3 entry.
Earlier this year, he competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, where his team experienced a driveshaft failure.
He also participated in a GT World Challenge race at Portimão.
Verstappen has ruled out a Le Mans entry for the 2027 season.
Despite the 2027 F1 calendar avoiding clashes with the Le Mans 24 Hours, he is focusing on other endurance events.
He is considering the Nürburgring and Spa 24-hour races for 2027, which align with his existing GT3 racing operations.
Ford, for whom Ricciardo is an ambassador, is set to enter the World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class in 2027.
Ford has engaged in discussions with Verstappen regarding a future Le Mans Hypercar drive.
However, Verstappen.com Racing maintains a commitment with Mercedes-AMG through 2027.
This contractual arrangement means any potential collaboration with Ford for Le Mans would not be possible before 2028.
Ford has also confirmed that Verstappen will not join their Hypercar program during their debut 2027 season.
Verstappen reiterated that a Le Mans project demands significant time and effort, which he currently cannot dedicate.
He’s a smart man to choose me in the car, but we have to see. It just depends on a lot of things. Also, for me, like, if I want to do it, I want to do it properly with really good prep, and at the moment I cannot do that.
He emphasized the need for proper preparation to compete effectively against full-season endurance racers.
