Max Verstappen still has plans for an extensive endurance racing career (Image: Getty)
’s desire to kickstart an endurance racing career was only boosted after stepping behind the wheel of the Acura ARX-06 at a Honda event earlier this week. However, ongoing F1 commitments are stopping the Dutchman from putting together a programme in a second series.
Verstappen’s desire to expand his motorsport journey into endurance racing has been public knowledge for some time, and the three-time F1 world champion has made it clear that he intends to make the transition before he leaves the prime of his career.
However, with his contract at running until the end of 2028, the Dutchman will have to wait until his thirties to swap F1 for the World Endurance Championship, or the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Verstappen got the chance to step behind the wheel of the Acura machine used in the IMSA GTP class at Honda’s ‘Hybrid Heroes’ event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in midweek. After enjoying his experience, the 27-year-old didn’t rule out competing in the series’ flagship event – the 24 Hours of Daytona.
“Yeah, it’s not about teasing or whatever. I know that I want to do it in the future anyway, but it’s just about finding the time,” he said. “With such a busy F1 schedule, it’s almost impossible because we finish so late in the season and then to properly prepare where you have to run Daytona or whatever, is pretty impossible.
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Verstappen spent time with IndyCar legend Scott Dixon on Tuesday (Image: Getty)
“I know that when I want to do it, I want to go there and try to win it, be really competitive. The only way to do so is by doing some proper testing and get really well prepared, which is not possible at the moment. But, who knows? Maybe in a few years’ time. I’ll still be young-ish and I’ll be able to drive the cars.”
Verstappen also got to liaise with IndyCar legend Scott Dixon but hasn’t been swayed towards an appearance at the Indianapolis 500. “I have no desire to drive the Indy 500, but I respect a lot what they’re doing,” he said.
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“There are a lot of great drivers in the series, that’s why I try to watch it when I’m home. Some of these guys that are driving there, like Alex [Palou], I grew up with Alex in go-karting on the same team.
“I’m obviously proud to see what he’s achieved there. Meeting Scott, who has achieved a lot in IndyCar and sports cars, and these guys explaining stuff to you here before you jump in the car, it’s nice to meet up with other drivers from all over the world and share the same passion at the end of the day.”