21.03.2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS , im Bild Max Verstappen nutzt die Formel-1-Pause für einen Ausflug auf den Nürburgring., Er nimmt am Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS teil. Photo by Midori Ikenouchi/Hasan Bratic/DeFodi Images - *** 21 03 2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS , in the picture Max Verstappen uses the Formula 1 break for a trip to the Nürburgring , He takes part in the four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS Photo by Midori Ikenouchi Hasan Bratic DeFodi Images
21.03.2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS , im Bild Max Verstappen nutzt die Formel-1-Pause für einen Ausflug auf den Nürburgring., Er nimmt am Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS teil. Photo by Midori Ikenouchi/Hasan Bratic/DeFodi Images - *** 21 03 2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS , in the picture Max Verstappen uses the Formula 1 break for a trip to the Nürburgring , He takes part in the four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS Photo by Midori Ikenouchi Hasan Bratic DeFodi Images
May 9, 2026, 11:00 AM CUT
Max Verstappen in "regular discussions" with Ford for WEC debut after Nurburgring success
Max Verstappen's GT3 success at the Nurburgring has fueled the possibility of him venturing into the World Endurance Championship. Ford Global Director Mark Rushbrook has revealed that they have "regular discussions" with the four-time F1 champion about the same.
This connection has come naturally because of Ford's F1 partnership with Red Bull. The American carmaker is the team's official engine partner this year onwards, and in 2027, Ford will independently venture into the WEC Hypercar class with its LMDh prototype.
In a recent interview with Motorsport.com's Netherlands arm, when Rushbrook was asked whether Ford had conversations with Verstappen for the Hypercar program, he replied, "Yes, of course. 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."
21.03.2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS , im Bild Max Verstappen nutzt die Formel-1-Pause für einen Ausflug auf den Nürburgring., Er nimmt am Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS teil. Photo by Midori Ikenouchi/Hasan Bratic/DeFodi Images - *** 21 03 2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS , in the picture Max Verstappen uses the Formula 1 break for a trip to the Nürburgring , He takes part in the four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS Photo by Midori Ikenouchi Hasan Bratic DeFodi Images
21.03.2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS , im Bild Max Verstappen nutzt die Formel-1-Pause für einen Ausflug auf den Nürburgring., Er nimmt am Vier-Stunden-Rennen der Nürburgring-Langstreckenserie NLS teil. Photo by Midori Ikenouchi/Hasan Bratic/DeFodi Images - *** 21 03 2026, Nürburgring, Nürburg, Four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS , in the picture Max Verstappen uses the Formula 1 break for a trip to the Nürburgring , He takes part in the four-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS Photo by Midori Ikenouchi Hasan Bratic DeFodi Images
Rushbrook elaborated on the Dutchman's GT3 passion, adding, "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."
Max Verstappen forayed into GT3 racing by making his NLS debut at the Nurburgring in September 2025. Driving the Red Bull-liveried Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing, the Dutchman dominated Round 9 of the NLS on his debut alongside teammate Chris Lulham.
In March this year, Verstappen led the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing entry to victory in NLS2 with a 59.5-second win. Unfortunately, the entry was disqualified post-race for exceeding the maximum tire allocation.
However, all eyes will now turn to the four-time F1 champion's Nurburgring 24 Hours debut next weekend.
Max Verstappen prepares for hyped Nurburgring 24 Hours debut
After his NLS9 victory last September, Max Verstappen admitted that he was eyeing the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year. However, a prerequisite for the big debut would be to get more NLS experience under his belt.
And with Mercedes' help, the F1 driver did so, by racing in the NLS 2 in March and the Nurburgring 24H qualifiers in April. The 24H qualifier weekend was a tough one, with technical difficulties plaguing his team.
However, the bucket list 24-Hour race on May 16-17 next weekend will be Max Verstappen's biggest GT3 challenge to date.
"The Nurburgring Nordschleife is a special place," Verstappen said in March after announcing his 24H debut. "There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nurburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now."
He will pilot the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Winward Racing alongside Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer.
