McLaren’s Lando Norris has revealed that the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race is one he hopes to compete in someday, influenced in part by the recent endurance racing pursuits of Max Verstappen. Norris, currently focused on his Formula 1 career, has expressed a cautious yet hopeful attitude toward branching out into endurance racing once his time in F1 concludes.
This interest in endurance racing was partly sparked by Verstappen’s recent success, including his debut GT3 win in a Ferrari at the Nordschleife. Verstappen has hinted at returning to endurance events and even suggested the possibility of teaming up with two-time Le Mans winner Fernando Alonso, a driver whose achievements at the Circuit de la Sarthe and in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) have been highly regarded.
Past Endurance Experience and Future Ambitions
Norris is no stranger to endurance racing, having competed previously in the 2018 24 Hours of Daytona. In that race, he partnered with Fernando Alonso and current WEC Ferrari driver Phil Hanson in the #23 car, which finished 38th overall. Despite this experience, Norris has clarified that his willingness to explore varied racing formats does not extend to oval racing, which he finds unappealing compared to endurance challenges like Le Mans.
With McLaren set to join the WEC Hypercar program in 2027 through a partnership with Zak Brown’s United Autosports, Norris sees a clear opportunity to transition into endurance racing within the McLaren family structure. He shared his thoughts with Autosport, stating,
“I would love to. I saw Zak [Brown, McLaren CEO] spoke about it the other day with Le Mans as well, with McLaren going to Le Mans. I would love it.”
He added,
“I’m not going to be in Formula 1 forever. I want to go and do other things and live my life – try other things, you know. I’ll enjoy my time in Formula 1. Whether it’s a mix at some point of also doing some of the other races, I’m not sure. Or it might be when I retire from F1 that I try to do other things.”
Balancing Present Commitments with Future Goals
Currently, Norris is cautious about committing to any racing outside Formula 1 given his intense championship battle with teammate Oscar Piastri. This careful approach highlights the pressure Norris feels in balancing current responsibilities with long-term aspirations. While he has not set a timeline for a potential switch to endurance racing, his reflections suggest a thoughtful plan to explore other disciplines once his F1 career winds down.
He also emphasized,
“I loved doing Daytona. I did it with Fernando, so it was a cool experience for me at the time. But whether it’s Le Mans or Daytona or Sebring, whatever it might be. I want to go do other things. I think the main thing I probably will never do is oval racing, just not for me.”
Significance of Verstappen’s Endurance Endeavors and What Lies Ahead
Max Verstappen’s entry into endurance racing has clearly inspired fellow drivers like Norris to consider similar paths outside Formula 1, reflecting a growing trend among race winners to expand their careers. The collaboration between McLaren and United Autosports will likely create more formal avenues for drivers interested in pursuing endurance events, especially with Le Mans on the horizon. This crossover highlights how Formula 1’s present and future stars are increasingly open to exploring varied motorsport disciplines.
As Norris continues his pursuit of F1 success, his cautious but optimistic eye on endurance racing signals a shift toward a more diversified racing portfolio in the years to come. For fans of endurance events and Formula 1 alike, this evolving dynamic promises fresh excitement and new rivalries on some of the world’s most demanding racing stages.
