Verstappen wants F1 to avoid Spa 24 Hours clash in 2027

Max Verstappen is laser focused on Red Bull's home Formula 1 race in Spielberg, but another major motorsport event is firmly on his radar this weekend – and one he hopes to be competing in himself next year.

While the Austrian Grand Prix takes centre stage at the Red Bull Ring, the four-time world champion is also closely following the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, one of the world's most prestigious GT endurance races.

Although his Formula 1 commitments prevent him from racing this year's edition, Verstappen admitted he will be monitoring the action whenever he gets the chance, particularly with his own Verstappen Racing team taking part.

The team's Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, driven by Daniel Juncadella, Chris Lulham and Jules Gounon, secured seventh place in combined qualifying and will carry Verstappen's hopes into the twice-around-the-clock classic.

“Yes, I'll try to watch it as much as I can. The car is racing with our drivers, so I'm very much involved this weekend,” Verstappen said.

Spa firmly on Verstappen's wish list

Although he is attending the event as a team owner from afar this year, Verstappen has no intention of remaining on the sidelines for long.

The Dutchman revealed he has already made his feelings known to the organisers, hoping the Spa 24 Hours can avoid a Formula 1 clash in 2027 and finally allow him to compete at one of his favourite circuits.

“Of course, I wish that I could race in Spa as well. I told them already for next year. It would be ideal if they could schedule it outside of a Formula 1 weekend, so let’s see.”

Spa-Francorchamps occupies a special place in Verstappen's heart. Widely regarded as his favourite track on the Formula 1 calendar, the Belgian circuit – and the fact the event is exclusively contested by GT3 machinery – makes the race particularly appealing.

“Spa is an amazing track and a 24-hour race with only GT cars is something very special.”

Endurance ambitions continue to grow

When it was suggested that he could simply skip a Formula 1 race if he were not fighting for the championship, Verstappen could only laugh at the idea.

“I'm sure that Red Bull will not be very happy with that!” he fired back.

• Read also: Verstappen to McLaren? Bombshell report says talks took place!

The Spa 24 Hours is just one of several endurance events on Verstappen's long-term bucket list.

The Red Bull driver has also expressed a desire to return to the Nürburgring Nordschleife for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, while future appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona remain among his ambitions if his Formula 1 schedule eventually allows.

For now, Verstappen's attention remains split between chasing points in Austria and cheering on his own GT3 team from afar. But if he gets his wish, next year he could be doing much more than watching the 24 Hours of Spa—he could be fighting for victory himself.

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