Max Verstappen in talks with Ford over new Le Mans 24 Hours project

Ford's motorsport boss Mark Rushbrook has confirmed that it has spoken with Max Verstappen regarding a potential project for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Blue Oval partnered with Red Bull's in-house engine project for 2026 to provide technical support and aid, with Dearborn also involved in the World Endurance Championship in the LMGT3 class, but for 2027, a hypercar project is in the works.

Verstappen is keen to one day compete at Le Mans, but cannot do so in 2026 owing to a direct weekend clash with the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, although the two events rarely clash, last doing so in 2016.

Looking ahead to the future, Rushbrook confirmed he had spoken with the four-time F1 champion about the future.

"Yes, of course," Rushbrook confirmed to Motorsport Netherlands when asked if discussions had been held with Verstappen. 

"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. We love his passion for 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 the opportunities are to do more in sportscar, including Hypercar.

"He wants to go race Le Mans and race for the overall win, but most years the schedule doesn't allow it, right? While he's a committed Formula 1 driver, most years now it's a conflict.

“I think we're just talking about what the opportunity is and if and when it makes sense, and everybody wants to do it, then great."