Max Verstappen reveals Daytona 24 Hours being explored

Max Verstappen has revealed that he "would love" to enter the Daytona 24 Hours, with the "idea" of competing in the endurance event next year currently being explored.

The Dutchman made his 24-hour debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours earlier this month in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 and looked set for a maiden victory, only for a lengthy mechanical issue to end his hopes.

Verstappen and his team-mates had to settle for a disappointing 38th place in the end, with the majority of the final few hours spent in the garage.

However, despite the frustration of missing out on victory, the four-time world champion enjoyed every minute of the race, although he has no plans beyond the Nürburgring this year.

Discussing if any GT races outside the Nordschleife are on his radar this year, Verstappen told De Telegraaf: "Outside the Nordschleife I think not."

While that rules out several 24-hour events later this year, the 2027 Daytona 24 Hours is an option on Verstappen's radar.

The legendary event in the United States takes place in January, opening the door for the Red Bull driver, given that it does not clash with F1.

One downside to Daytona is that Verstappen would have to adjust his pre-season training programme, although he is not ruling out making his debut in the event.

"If I wanted to do that, I will have to adjust my entire training programme to it, though," added Verstappen, speaking specifically about Daytona. 

"Normally I start preparing for the new season in January. I would then have to adjust that. And I will also have to discuss it with my family.

"It is an idea at the moment, but not concrete yet. I still have plenty of time to think about it. But I would love to do it. And then again in a GT3 car, I think, not in the fastest GTP class."

Returning to the Nürburgring 24 Hours is also firmly on Verstappen's mind for 2027, saying: "And if next year's 24 Hours of Nürburgring falls on a non-Formula 1 weekend again, I would like to be back in action there as well."