The 2027 Formula 1 calendar, officially released on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, features 24 Grands Prix and a record 10 Sprint events. This schedule notably avoids clashes with major European 24-hour sports car races, opening opportunities for Formula 1 drivers to compete in endurance events.
Max Verstappen, who has previously expressed interest in endurance racing, will find the 2027 calendar accommodating for his ambitions. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is scheduled for May 27-30, falling between the Canadian Grand Prix (May 21-23) and the Monaco Grand Prix (June 4-6).
Verstappen participated in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Verstappen Racing. His team was in a winning position before a driveshaft issue forced their retirement. The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, another event Verstappen has shown interest in, is set for June 24-27, positioned between the Portuguese Grand Prix (June 18-20) and the British Grand Prix (July 2-4).
Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, also has a clear path to potentially compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The prestigious endurance race is scheduled for June 9-13, 2027, occurring between the Monaco Grand Prix and the returning Portuguese Grand Prix.
Norris recently tested McLaren’s new MCL-HY Hypercar at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão on Monday, September 14, 2026. This marked his second outing in the car, following its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. He completed 38 laps, providing development feedback to the team.
McLaren is set to enter the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2027, marking their return to the top class at Le Mans for the first time since 1995. The MCL-HY Hypercar, developed to LMDh regulations with Dallara as chassis partner, was revealed in May 2026. McLaren has confirmed Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor as WEC drivers for 2027, but has reportedly kept seats open to evaluate options for guest drivers.
A potential hurdle for F1 drivers like Norris and Verstappen at Le Mans is the mandatory rookie test day, which falls on June 6, 2027, directly clashing with the Monaco Grand Prix. However, sporting regulations may allow Platinum-rated drivers competing in other major motorsport championships to be exempt from this requirement.
The 2027 F1 calendar also avoids a conflict with the Indianapolis 500, scheduled for May 30. This further opens possibilities for drivers interested in pursuing motorsport’s Triple Crown, although practice sessions for the Indy 500 would still overlap with the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
