Max Verstappen seeking calendar adjustment to compete in iconic race

Max Verstappen is hopeful the F1 calendar next year will avoid a clash with an iconic endurance race, allowing him to compete.

The 24 Hours of Spa takes place this weekend, with the four-time champion's squad, Verstappen Racing, entering the event.

Drivers Jules Gounon, Dani Juncadella and Chris Lulham will drive the team's Mercedes GT3 car at the event and are due to start from fourth place.

Despite being busy with his F1 duties at the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen has stated he will attempt to tune into as much of the action as he can.

"I'll try to watch as much as I can,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.

“The car is, of course, racing with the drivers, so I am very much involved.”

The GT World Challenge calendar was released earlier this week, with Spa-Francorchamps once again pencilled in for a late-June date.

However, Verstappen is hopeful that the race will avoid a clash with F1, allowing him to compete.

“Of course, I wish that I could race in Spa as well,” he said. 

“I told them already for next year it would be ideal that they can schedule it outside of a Formula 1 weekend, let's see. 

“Spa is an amazing track, a 24-hour race with only GT cars is something very special.”

Verstappen has already dipped his toes into endurance racing, taking part in various outings at the Nordschleife - including the 24-hour event earlier this year.