Discussions between Ford and Max Verstappen regarding the Hypercar

This article was first published on Sunday, May 9, 2026 at 12:19 PM.

Max Verstappen has a desire for diversification. Lately, the four-time world champion of Formula 1 has made a habit of testing himself in other disciplines, notably GT, with participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring as a result. Mercedes Benz-AMG GT3. The Dutchman has also never hidden his desire to come and compete with the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future, and has even already had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car meeting Hypercar/GTP regulations with the Acura ARX-06 during a professional day when Red Bull was still powered by Honda.

The Austrian team is now linked to Ford for its Formula 1 powertrain, and the American manufacturer is preparing its entry into the Hypercar category. WEC In 2027, can we therefore imagine Verstappen trying his luck elsewhere? His offensive comments towards the new F1 regulations have reinforced the idea that he might soon be looking elsewhere.

Asked about this on the sidelines of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the 2026 WEC season, Mark Rushbrook spoke about the Max Verstappen case, answering affirmatively when reporters present asked him if discussions were taking place between the two parties.

The American, however, dashed the hopes of all those who were hoping to see the 28-year-old driver take the start of the Le Mans classic as early as 2027, while specifying that a future participation was not linked to his future in F1. Depending on the schedule and circumstances, this could happen during his F1 career. "That's what Rushbrook said about it.

The head of Ford Racing added that these discussions were not new: We started discussing this topic more than three years ago; it's simply a matter of finding the right time for the planets to align. Rushbrook confirmed that the Red Bull driver was keen to take on such a challenge, but with the right program".

For 2027, the oval brand has already confirmed three drivers to pilot its LMDh with Oreca chassis: Sebastian Priaulx, Mike Rockenfeller and Logan sargeantThree places are still to be confirmed, but according to our information the official driver Porsche Matt Campbell has reportedly already signed with the American brand. His teammate Felipe Nasr, long considered a likely candidate to join the team, no longer seems as close to an agreement with the Detroit (Michigan) firm.

Interview by Valentin Glo, at Spa-Francorchamps.

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