Ford is preparing to make its first appearance with a Hypercar in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) next year. In this regard, the company has confirmed that it has held talks with Max Verstappen, current Formula 1 driver and multiple championship winner, to consult on the possibility of him being part of their competition project in the future.
Having re-entered the world of Formula 1 this year thanks to its partnership with Red Bull Racing, Ford already has a presence in other competitions, including the WEC. In 2026, its participation is limited to customer entries with the Mustang in the LMGT3 class, as starting in 2027 they are preparing to compete with a top-category LMDh prototype.
Verstappen, who has also shown interest in endurance racing, will participate next week in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring with a Mercedes-AMG GT3. The question arises as to whether there have been concrete talks between Verstappen and Ford regarding him potentially driving the LMDh in the future.
Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance, confirmed these talks in an interview. He expressed his enthusiasm for Verstappen, not only for his on-track success but also for his attitude off it. “He is a great competitor and a great person. We are very happy that he has a passion for GT3 racing and that he is involved in the development of drivers through simulation,” Rushbrook commented.
Despite the positive discussions, there is still no concrete plan for Verstappen to drive for Ford, as his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028. Rushbrook indicated that at this moment “nothing has been announced” and that his participation in the WEC will depend on various factors, including potential conflicts with his current racing schedule.
In the event that Verstappen can request an entry to Ford’s Hypercar, Rushbrook emphasized that the value he would bring to the team would be incalculable, both on the track and in vehicle development. Collaborating with a driver like him would be a great advantage for Ford’s project.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
