MAX VERSTAPPEN TELLS F1 BOSSES TO LEAVE A GAP IN 2027 CALENDAR FOR HIS GT3 RACING PLANS
Max Verstappen has urged Formula 1 authorities to clear space in the 2027 schedule for his GT3 racing ambitions. The 28-year-old Dutch driver is already regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, having captured four consecutive world titles from 2021 through 2024. Nevertheless, his finish at the top of the standings was interrupted in 2025 when Lando Norris claimed his inaugural drivers’ championship.
Away from the F1 arena, Verstappen has been venturing into GT3 competition, marking his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours earlier this month. The event ended with disappointment for him and his crew, as a late problem prevented victory for Verstappen and his teammates Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer. After the race, Verstappen expressed a determined desire to race at the Nordschleife again, but he warned that the return would hinge on how the F1 calendar is structured.
During a media interaction, the issue of whether he has sufficient clout to influence the 2027 calendar in favor of his GT3 plans was raised. Verstappen replied with a nuanced answer, indicating that while “power” isn’t the issue, it would be logical for the schedule to accommodate his broader racing interests if possible. He added that he would wait to see how things unfold, noting that he didn’t have a definitive answer at the moment.
Asked if his first foray into the 24-hour race had left him eager for more, Verstappen confirmed his enthusiasm: “Yes, absolutely. That was the goal from the start. This is just the beginning. It would have been great to win it straight away, given how strong the chances were.”
The topic has drawn commentary in the wider paddock, with some observers joking about the frequency with which Verstappen is asked for his opinion on rule changes and the sport’s direction. A recent chorus of voices suggested that perhaps the media’s persistent questions have made the discussion repetitive, though others defended Verstappen’s right to share his views as a top competitor.
As Verstappen invests more in GT3 competition, questions about his F1 future are set to persist. He recently indicated that continuing in F1 will require changes to the current environment. Speaking during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, where he finished third, Verstappen characterized the present regulations as “mentally not doable” if they remain unchanged. He warned that continuing in the same vein could make next year a protracted and unenjoyable season, stating that there are many other exciting pursuits beyond F1 if the rules do not shift to his satisfaction.
The evolving dynamic will keep fans and teams watching closely, as Verstappen balances his desire to pursue GT3 racing beyond traditional F1 commitments with the practical realities of a demanding F1 schedule. Whether the calendar can be adjusted to accommodate his broader racing portfolio remains to be seen, but Verstappen’s overtures signal a willingness to explore opportunities beyond single-series dominance.