Four-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Sebastien Buemi believes that Max Verstappen is very close to making his debut at the iconic endurance race. Buemi, who has extensive experience in endurance racing, indicated that Verstappen’s growing interest in categories beyond Formula 1 makes entering the 24 Hours of Le Mans almost inevitable for the Red Bull driver. This development aligns with Verstappen’s pattern of exploring different racing disciplines alongside his F1 career.
Max Verstappen has established himself as one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 with 65 race wins and four world championships. His achievements have not stopped him from branching out; Verstappen has participated in GT3 racing and regularly competes in iRacing sessions during off days. Recently, he even drove a GT3 car at the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife, racing under the pseudonym ‘Franz Hermann’. Buemi’s insights suggest Verstappen may continue diversifying his racing experience by soon tackling endurance racing challenges.
Insights from Sebastien Buemi on Verstappen’s Endurance Racing Intentions
Buemi shared his thoughts on Verstappen’s potential future in endurance racing during an interview on the RacingNews365 podcast, emphasizing their previous conversations about different motorsport disciplines. He said,
“I haven’t seen him for quite a long time, but the last time we saw each other we discussed about everything,” Buemi told about Verstappen at the RacingNews365 podcast. “He’s passionate. He asked me a lot about Formula E, we spoke about WEC.”
While Buemi acknowledged Verstappen’s passion and curiosity, he also highlighted the demanding nature of Formula 1 schedules as a temporary barrier to Le Mans participation. Explaining this challenge, Buemi noted,
“But I’m sure, Formula 1 is extremely heavy. It’s a heavy schedule. It’s very difficult to commit to do Le Mans. But I know it’s just a matter of time until he actually does it.”
This perspective reinforces the idea that Verstappen’s entry into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans would likely happen after he reduces his F1 commitments or shifts focus once his full-time F1 career winds down.
Verstappen’s Current Formula 1 Campaign and Its Impact on Future Plans
This season, Verstappen is pursuing his fifth consecutive F1 World Championship. However, the competitive landscape has shifted, as Verstappen’s Red Bull RB21 car is struggling to compete against McLaren’s MCL39. Drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris currently lead the championship standings, with Verstappen trailing by 49 points in the drivers’ rankings after nine races and two sprint events.
Despite this pressure, Verstappen’s exploration of other racing formats signals a readiness to broaden his career horizons. His adaptability and talent give credence to Buemi’s forecast that endurance racing will figure prominently in his future.
Verstappen’s Past Comments on Racing at Le Mans
Max Verstappen himself has acknowledged connections to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, revealing that teams have approached him about competing at the event. Speaking last year, he emphasized the importance of timing and conditions before making such a commitment, especially with new-generation cars still being evaluated in terms of performance balance.
“Of course, you get contacted by certain people, but it has to come at the right time and in the right way. I don’t want to rush into a decision either. With those new cars, 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.”
This cautious stance highlights Verstappen’s pragmatic approach to switching racing formats and his awareness of the complexities involved in endurance racing regulation and vehicle performance balance.
The Legacy of F1 Drivers at Le Mans and the Road Ahead
The 24 Hours of Le Mans remains one of motorsport’s most prestigious endurance races, attracting both current and former Formula 1 drivers. Notable recent winners include Nico Hulkenberg (2015) and Fernando Alonso, who won in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, former F1 star Kevin Magnussen is set to compete in this year’s event, demonstrating the ongoing crossover appeal between F1 and endurance racing.
Given this trend and Buemi’s expert opinion, Verstappen entering the 24 Hours of Le Mans seems increasingly likely in the near future. His participation would add another high-profile name to the long list of F1 champions embracing endurance racing, reinforcing the significance of Le Mans in global motorsport and offering fans a new chapter to follow as Verstappen’s career evolves.
