Max Verstappen Eyes Le Mans Entry, Citing Balance of Performance Issues
Formula 1 reigning world champion Max Verstappen has reiterated his desire to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, but only when the time is right. The Dutch driver has previously taken part in the virtual version of the endurance race as part of the Team Redline line-up and has been approached by teams looking to recruit him for a future victory.
Verstappen pointed out that he has been contacted by certain teams, but emphasized the need for careful consideration. “Of course, you get contacted by certain people, but it has to come at the right time and in the right way,” he said in an interview with Motorsport.com.
The Red Bull driver is cautious about rushing into a decision, citing the need for a better understanding of the new Hypercar regulations, which have been in place since 2021. “I think it will take at least another one or two years before it’s all better understood because at the end of the day, it is still a Balance of Performance story and that makes it difficult.”
Verstappen’s interest in Le Mans is not new, but he has softened his stance on competing in both Formula 1 and Le Mans in the same season. “That depends fully on the preparation, whether it can be done in a good way or not,” he said.
The driver also highlighted the challenges of combining Le Mans with his Formula 1 commitments, saying, “Of course, you can’t run Le Mans and Formula 1 in one weekend, but if it can be combined in a good way, then I think it can be done during the F1 season.”
Verstappen is not alone in his interest in Le Mans. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has announced a bursting top-class entry list for the 2023 season, with the convergence of Hypercar and LMDh regulations bearing fruit.
However, the Dutch driver is hesitant to commit to a Le Mans entry until certain issues with the regulations are addressed. “It’s too early for me to enter because of the new regulations as well, I think they need to sort out the BOP a little bit better between the cars,” he said.
Verstappen also raised concerns about the impact of driver weight on performance, suggesting the need for a minimum weight limit. “I might rock up at 80 kilos with kit, but there is also a driver that can be 55 or 60. When you go to Le Mans, you have no chance – that already is a couple of tenths a lap. It’s pretty incredible, the difference.”
Despite his reservations, Verstappen remains enthusiastic about competing in Le Mans in the future. “For sure, in the future, I would like to race. Yeah, it’s an incredible event,” he said.
Any chance of Verstappen appearing in Le Mans next year has already been ruled out due to a calendar clash with the Canadian Grand Prix. The 2025 running of Le Mans will take place on the same weekend as the Formula 1 race.
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