The recent presentation of the Formula 1 calendar for 2027 has opened a window of opportunity for grand prix drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year. With a total of 24 races scheduled, there is a one-week time margin between the two events, with the French competition scheduled for June 12 and 13. The F1 races immediately before and after Le Mans are Monaco and Portugal, facilitating travel between these events.
Despite the absence of overlap, the road to Le Mans for Verstappen or Norris is not as simple as it seems. There are several difficulties they must overcome if they want to become the first active grand prix drivers after Fernando Alonso to compete in Le Mans.
Complications of the Le Mans test day
Even though Le Mans does not coincide with F1 races, the Le Mans test day, scheduled for June 6, takes place on the same weekend as the Monaco Grand Prix. According to the sporting regulations, participation in this test is mandatory for rookies, who must complete 10 laps, including five timed laps, to be eligible for the race.
The fact that the test coincides with the Monaco race presents significant complications. Unlike other competitions, it is unlikely that the Automobile Club de l’Ouest or the FIA will make adjustments to the World Endurance Championship calendar to accommodate the needs of an F1 driver. Any change could also affect other sports car drivers competing in multiple championships.
However, F1 drivers do not necessarily need to participate in the test day. According to Le Mans’ additional regulations, a driver qualified as Platinum competing in another major championship may request an exception from the ACO Sporting Committee. If granted, they will need to complete the mandatory laps during the Wednesday practice.
Logistical possibilities
Theoretically, it might be possible for a driver to complete both the test day and the Monaco Grand Prix. This would require traveling to Le Mans Saturday night after F1 qualifying, to do the mandatory laps in the morning and then fly to Nice to participate in the race at 15:00.
While it would seem like a surprising feat, it would resemble the attempt made by Kyle Larson in 2025, who competed in two races on the same day. However, the McLaren team, led by Zak Brown, may be more reluctant to allow Norris or Oscar Piastri to undertake this double duty to avoid compromising their Monaco options, especially with the addition of a sprint race on the same Saturday.
The issue of the third car
For Verstappen, Norris, or Alonso to race at Le Mans, it will be necessary to make space in their teams. One option would be to add a third entry focused on Le Mans, as Porsche did in the past. However, this strategy can be complicated for the teams, as some of them, like McLaren and Ford, who will join the Hypercar ranks next year, are approaching their team building differently.
Both teams face limitations in operational management of a third car, especially considering that Ford has defined its six drivers for the Hypercar program, leaving little room for Verstappen. McLaren has not indicated that it plans to compete with a third vehicle at Le Mans, and any addition will require approval from the FIA and the ACO.
There may be an opportunity for Norris or Piastri within the two McLaren cars, as the test program indicates that it is opting to use only two drivers per car in regular races, while additional drivers would be incorporated for endurance tests like Le Mans.
Preparation for Le Mans
While some of the logistical hurdles can be resolved, drivers will need additional time to properly prepare before such an important race. Norris took a step in that direction by participating in the McLaren tests in recent days, completing 38 laps at the Algarve circuit. Although these tests were planned in advance, he is likely to be considering the full schedule when he did the test.
However, preparation for a Le Mans race requires more than just laps; experience in WEC sporting procedures is vital. Two events that do not coincide with the F1 calendar, such as Qatar and the 6 Hours of Spa, could serve as adequate preparation.
Alternatives outside of Le Mans
For drivers like Verstappen who want to explore new opportunities without stopping F1 competition, the 2027 calendar presents alternatives like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring or Spa, which do not coincide with any F1 race. Verstappen already participated in Nürburgring this year and seems very interested in returning.
This ambition also extends to the Spa race, where he has already expressed interest in participating. Unfortunately, a debut at Le Mans in 2027 may not be easy, but 2028 may be more plausible, with more experience under his belt.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
