Max Verstappen Reportedly Targets 2027 Spa 24 Hours for GT Racing Debut

Following a ninth-place finish in the GT World Challenge Europe round at Portimao, Max Verstappen has revealed his intention to expand his sports car racing schedule by taking part in the Spa 24 Hours. Verstappen shared driving duties in Portugal aboard the Team Verstappen Mercedes alongside teammates Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat, using the event to gain valuable mileage against seasoned endurance competitors.

The legendary Belgian circuit holds personal and geographical significance for the Red Bull Formula 1 driver. Verstappen was born in Belgium, and his mother, Sophie Kumpen, was an accomplished kart racer representing the nation. Staging an entry into the classic endurance event represents a primary personal ambition as he seeks out new challenges away from the grand prix paddock.

“It’s my favourite track, of course, so I’m trying to make it work,” Verstappen said after the race. “I just need to plan it all well that, of course, when I arrive [I’m] also well prepared.

“I’m also Belgian, so it’s just nice to be there to do one of the biggest endurance events of the year. I’m going to try my best to be there.”

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GT Ambitions and Multi-Driver Experience

The 2027 edition of the Spa 24 Hours is scheduled to take place from 24 to 27 June, slotting into the calendar between the Portuguese and British Grands Prix. The event serves as a marquee round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, a global championship that also features the Bathurst 12 Hour, the Texas 8 Hour, the Nurburgring 24 Hours, and Suzuka. However, logistical and scheduling limitations narrow Verstappen’s realistic options across the series; Bathurst in February is not understood to be on his radar, while Suzuka creates a direct conflict with his Formula 1 obligations.

Verstappen’s foray into GT3 machinery follows an earlier appearance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours on the Nordschleife in May. On that occasion, he teamed up with Dani Juncadella, Lucas Auer, and Jules Gounon. The crew led the event into its closing stages before a late driveshaft failure forced them into retirement. The shift from single-seater sprint racing to shared endurance machinery has introduced a dynamic the Dutchman is actively embracing.

“Sharing the car with team-mates is of course something that I haven’t really done in my life so far,” he said. “Of course, I got a taste at the Nordschleife for the first time, so I really enjoyed that. To get the first opportunity here now in the GT World Challenge for me is just exciting.”

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Competition Level and Formula 1 Realities

At Portimao, Verstappen went wheel-to-wheel with several rivals he has known since his formative years in junior karting categories, praising the calibre of the GT World Challenge Europe grid.

“Some of them I have raced already in the past,” he said. “Some of those are a little bit older than me, but they have achieved a lot all over the world in every single category. So it’s a very high level.”

Assessing his long-term approach to GT racing, Verstappen stressed that his objective centres on development and continuous adaptation behind the wheel of sports cars.

“It’s just every race making progress, getting better, getting more and more experience, and showing yourself between all the big boys in the paddock.”

Why This Matters

Verstappen’s increasing participation in endurance racing comes amid a transitional era in his professional career. While he has solidified his immediate future by confirming a contract extension with Red Bull Racing, he has been vocal in his criticism of Formula 1’s upcoming 2026 technical regulations. Even as he continues to secure grand prix victories—having recently collected consecutive wins at Sepang and Singapore—his public enthusiasm for Formula 1’s direction has waned, prompting his growing exploration of GT machinery.

Because the 2027 Spa 24 Hours sits conveniently between the Portuguese and British Grands Prix, it presents a rare calendar opening that enables Verstappen to target two premier 24-hour endurance classics—the Nurburgring and Spa-Francorchamps—without disrupting his primary Formula 1 duties. His attention now turns back to his Red Bull duties for the upcoming United States Grand Prix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which car did Max Verstappen drive at the Portimao GT event?

Max Verstappen drove a Team Verstappen Mercedes alongside co-drivers Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat, concluding the GT World Challenge Europe race in ninth position.

When will the 2027 Spa 24 Hours take place?

The 2027 Spa 24 Hours is scheduled from 24 to 27 June, falling on the calendar gap between the Portuguese and British Grands Prix.

Why are other Intercontinental GT Challenge rounds unlikely for Verstappen?

The Bathurst 12 Hour in February is not on Verstappen’s radar, while the Suzuka endurance round directly clashes with the Formula 1 grand prix calendar, leaving Spa-Francorchamps and the Nurburgring 24 Hours as his realistic options for 2027.