Ford eyes Verstappen for future WEC Hypercar assault

The prospect of Max Verstappen taking on the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford Hypercar is already igniting excitement inside the American manufacturer’s racing division.

Ford Performance chief Mark Rushbrook has openly admitting that he would love to see the four-time Formula 1 world champion spearhead the company’s future endurance ambitions.

The company’s long-awaited entry into the World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar category from 2027 is shaping up to be one of the sport’s biggest upcoming storylines.

The automotive giant is preparing an LMDh prototype for the top class of endurance racing, adding another major manufacturer to an already stacked field.

And while the programme itself is still taking shape, one dream scenario is already impossible to ignore: Verstappen fighting for outright Le Mans victory in Ford colours.

Ford already in talks with Verstappen

The connection between Ford and Verstappen is obviously rooted in the manufacturer’s Formula 1 alliance with Red Bull Powertrains, which officially began this season. As it works closely with Red Bull on future F1 power units, conversations about racing beyond Formula 1 have already started to emerge.

“Yes, of course,” said Rushbrook, speaking to Motorsport.com’s Dutch affiliate. “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."

Verstappen’s enthusiasm for endurance racing has become increasingly visible in recent years. Beyond his extensive sim racing involvement, the Dutchman is preparing to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours aboard a Mercedes-AMG GT3, further fuelling speculation that a future Le Mans challenge is more a question of when than if.

Rushbrook believes that passion is what makes Verstappen such an enticing possibility for Ford’s Hypercar future.

“He’s a racer. He wants to race," commented Rushbrook.

Le Mans dream faces F1 scheduling reality

For now, however, Formula 1 remains Verstappen’s primary focus. The four-time world champion is contracted to Red Bull through the end of 2028, leaving limited flexibility in an already demanding racing calendar.

As a result, Ford is keeping expectations measured — even if the excitement behind the scenes is unmistakable.

“There is ‘nothing’ planned for the near future,” Rushbrook admitted with a smile. “We’re not announcing anything.”

Still, the door remains firmly open.

“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,” concluded the American executive.

“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.”

Read also: Montoya rips apart ‘disrespectful’ Verstappen: ‘Park him!’

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook