Spa 24 Hours is shaping up to be Max Verstappen’s probable GT goal for 2027.
After a stellar showing at Portimao, Max Verstappen is eager to carry his GT racing momentum into Spa-Francorchamps, which he labels as his "favorite circuit." He made this statement following a ninth-place finish in the GT World Challenge Europe over the previous weekend, where he teamed up with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat in the Team Verstappen Mercedes.
“It’s my favorite circuit, naturally, so I’m aiming to make it work,” Verstappen remarked post-race. “I just need to organize everything properly so that when I arrive, I’m also well prepared.”
“Being Belgian, it’s just wonderful to be there for one of the biggest endurance events of the year. I’ll do my utmost to be present.”
Verstappen was born in Belgium, and his mother, former karting champion Sophie Kumpen, hails from the same country.
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The 2027 Spa 24 Hours is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, coinciding with the weekend between the Portuguese and British Grands Prix. This event is part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, which includes the Bathurst 12 Hour, Texas 8 Hour, Nurburgring 24 Hours, and Suzuka.
Although Verstappen has expressed reservations about the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, he has confirmed an extension of his contract with Red Bull. However, as he finds himself not fully engaged with what the championship offers, despite two consecutive victories, he is intrigued by the opportunities in GT racing.
In May, he participated in the Nurburgring 24 Hours on the Nordschleife, driving alongside Dani Juncadella, Lucas Auer, and Jules Gounon. They were leading until a driveshaft issue prematurely ended their quest.
“Sharing the car with teammates is something I haven’t really experienced before,” he noted. “I had a taste of it at the Nordschleife for the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. To have the first opportunity here in the GT World Challenge is just thrilling.”
At Portimao, Verstappen faced off against drivers he has known since his karting days.
“Some of them I’ve competed against previously,” he shared. “A few are a bit older than I am, but they have accomplished a lot around the globe in various categories. It’s a very high standard.”
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His goal is consistent improvement: “It’s about making progress with every race, enhancing my skills, gaining more experience, and proving myself among the top competitors in the paddock.”
Bathurst in February does not appear to be on his agenda, and Suzuka conflicts with the F1 schedule. This leaves the Nurburgring and Spa as the likely two races for 2027.
For now, he shifts his attention back to F1 and this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, following his successes at Sepang and Singapore.
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