Le Mans 
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso casts doubt over dream Max Verstappen partnershipFernando Alonso has expressed skepticism about teaming up with Max Verstappen for the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although both drivers have previously shown interest in collaborating, Alonso believes it is unrealistic at this time due to Verstappen's busy racing schedule.
While Alonso is open to the possibility of a future partnership, he does not foresee it happening next year. He emphasized that the decision would depend on Verstappen's availability, as he participates in numerous races throughout the year.
RacingNews365Thu 24 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen makes Le Mans decision amid 2027 F1 calendar gapMax Verstappen has confirmed he will not make his Le Mans debut in 2027, despite the Formula 1 calendar allowing for participation in the race. He stated that while he enjoys endurance racing, Le Mans is not currently on his agenda, focusing instead on returning to the Nürburgring and possibly competing at Spa.
Verstappen's recent experiences in endurance racing have included multiple outings at the Nürburgring, where he has expressed a strong desire to improve upon past performances. As he prepares for the upcoming races, he remains committed to his Formula 1 career, currently sitting sixth in the drivers' standings.
Motorsport WeekWed 23 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen at Le Mans? F1 calendar reveals growing GT potentialMax Verstappen is keen to return to GT racing, especially after a strong performance at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, where he nearly won. The 2027 Formula 1 calendar offers him opportunities to participate in several endurance races, including the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours, which takes place shortly after the Monaco Grand Prix.
Verstappen's potential 2027 racing calendar includes events like the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Bathurst 12 Hour. He has previously shown interest in these races, and with the schedule allowing for these outings, he is likely to pursue them. His involvement in GT racing could be significant, especially with his team running a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 07:04 UTC
via grandprix.comBarrichello finishes 15th in Le Mans karting returnRubens Barrichello made his return to international karting by finishing 15th in the KZ Masters final at the FIA Karting World Championship in Le Mans. This event marked a significant moment for the 54-year-old former Formula 1 winner, who had announced his participation prior to the race weekend.
Competing in a Birel ART kart, Barrichello's performance was noteworthy as he successfully entered the competitive Masters field and made it to the final. His finish came just behind Roberto Profico, who placed 14th. Barrichello's return to karting is also associated with his Barrichello Kart project, highlighting his ongoing passion for racing.grandprix.comTue 22 Sep · 12:12 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Bahia Notícias from Salvador, Brasil · CC BY 2.0Barrichello still driven by ‘speed and smell of gasoline’Rubens Barrichello, at the age of 54, showcased his enduring passion for racing by participating in the KZ2 Masters final at Le Mans, where he finished 15th. Competing with Birelart, he expressed pride in the Barrichello Kart project and emphasized his love for the sport, stating, "I'm driven by speed and the smell of gasoline."
Reflecting on his time at Ferrari, Barrichello highlighted the collaborative nature of his success with Michael Schumacher, asserting that both played crucial roles in the team's achievements. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a stroke in 2018, Barrichello maintains a positive outlook on life and racing, likening himself to a cat with multiple lives.newsonf1.comTue 22 Sep · 06:33 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Hamilton escapes, Mercedes masterplan and Verstappen Le Mans statementLewis Hamilton has taken a break from the intense atmosphere at Ferrari, enjoying a mini world tour with girlfriend Kim Kardashian, which included stops in Paris, London, and a gala in Los Angeles. This comes as Mercedes continues to perform strongly in the season, aiming for both the drivers' and constructors' championships.
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed that upgrades for the W17 are expected soon, specifically for the upcoming race in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's potential participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been highlighted, as there are no F1 races scheduled to clash with the event this year. Additionally, Aston Martin's Mike Krack has expressed concerns over Fernando Alonso's future, while Cadillac's Mark Walter faces legal troubles.
gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via gpfans.comFord issue official statement as Max Verstappen Le Mans rumours swirlFord has officially stated that there are no plans for Max Verstappen to drive their hypercar at the 2027 Le Mans race, despite speculation following the announcement of no F1 race conflicts with the endurance event. This significantly reduces Verstappen's chances of participating in Le Mans next year, as he is considered unlikely to race in lower classes and his own team lacks the necessary resources for a hypercar entry.
Verstappen had previously expressed interest in racing at Le Mans, potentially alongside fellow champion Fernando Alonso, but emphasised that any participation would need to fit within his schedule and offer a genuine chance of victory. Instead, the 24 Hours of Spa, scheduled for late June, appears to be a more viable option for Verstappen, who has already indicated his desire to compete in that event.gpfans.comSun 20 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via gpfans.comMcLaren tease Lando Norris Le Mans bid as F1 champion tests insane new hypercarLando Norris recently tested McLaren's new hypercar as part of the team's preparations for the World Endurance Championship in 2027. Following a disappointing finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris participated in a private test at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, where he completed 38 laps and provided valuable feedback to the team.
McLaren has announced its intention to return to the Hypercar category, targeting the prestigious triple crown of motorsport. Norris has shown interest in racing at Le Mans, and with the 2027 F1 calendar not conflicting with the Le Mans schedule, there is potential for him to participate in future events.gpfans.comWed 16 Sep · 14:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 clash avoided but can Lando Norris or Max Verstappen race at Le Mans 2027?The 2027 Formula 1 calendar allows for a potential participation of F1 drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the Le Mans 24 Hours, as there are no direct schedule clashes. However, the Le Mans test day on June 6 coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix, posing a significant challenge for drivers who need to complete mandatory laps to qualify for the race.
Despite the logistical hurdles, there are pathways for F1 drivers to participate, such as applying for exemptions from the test day. Teams must also consider how to accommodate additional drivers in their line-ups, which could involve adding a third car, a complex decision given the current operational constraints and commitments of teams like McLaren and Ford.
Motorsport.comWed 16 Sep · 09:18 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris aims for future Le Mans 24 Hours entryMax Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso have indicated interest in competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future. Lando Norris recently completed a test in Hypercar machinery, further fueling speculation about his participation.RacingNews365Tue 15 Sep · 06:20 UTC
via thejudge13.comEx F1 Driver Jack Doohan’s latest racing move ends suddenly after just four racesJack Doohan, a reserve driver for Haas, has concluded his stint in the European Le Mans Series after participating in only four races. His departure was confirmed by Nielsen Racing, who stated that changes to Doohan's schedule made him unavailable for the remaining two rounds of the season. During his time with the team, he scored a total of 21 points, placing them eighth in the championship standings before his exit.
Former Formula 1 driver Jack Aitken will take over Doohan's seat for the final two races, starting with the Four Hours of Silverstone. Aitken brings valuable endurance racing experience to the team, which is crucial for maintaining their championship position. Doohan's early exit from the ELMS adds to a challenging period in his racing career, following a brief Formula 1 stint and ongoing commitments as a reserve driver.
thejudge13.comWed 9 Sep · 09:23 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren waiting on F1 decision that could clear Lando Norris to make Le Mans 24 Hours debut in 2027McLaren is currently awaiting confirmation from Formula 1 about the 2027 calendar, which is crucial for Lando Norris's potential debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The team plans to enter the Hypercar category in the World Endurance Championship next year, marking a significant return to endurance racing after 32 years since their last victory at Le Mans. Norris, who has prior experience in endurance racing, is a primary candidate for this venture, alongside Scott Dixon, who is set to join McLaren in 2027.
However, both Norris and Dixon face challenges due to their commitments in Formula 1 and IndyCar, respectively. The traditional scheduling of the Le Mans race in June may conflict with their racing duties, making it difficult for them to participate. If the F1 calendar does not align favorably, Norris may have to postpone his dream of competing in this prestigious event for another year.
f1oversteer.comFri 4 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via grandprix.comBarrichello returns to FIA world karting at 54Rubens Barrichello is set to return to FIA world-level karting at the KZ2 Masters World Championship in Le Mans, scheduled for September 17-20, 2026. This marks his first participation in a decade, having last raced at the KZ World Championship in 2016. The KZ2 Masters category is designed for experienced drivers aged 35 and over, and Barrichello will be racing a kart named after him, developed in collaboration with Birelart. He has already participated in a preparatory race at the same circuit, achieving competitive results.
In addition to his karting return, Barrichello will also pay tribute to his past with Ferrari by demonstrating the F2002 at Monza. This dual appearance highlights the connection between his historic Formula 1 career and his current endeavors in karting, showcasing his ongoing passion for motorsport and competitive racing.grandprix.comThu 3 Sep · 09:47 UTC
via grandprix.comVowles eyes Le Mans, but only to winJames Vowles, the Team Principal of Williams Racing, has indicated a potential interest in competing at Le Mans, but emphasizes the need for serious preparation to be competitive. He has been testing racing machinery and has driven with a team in the World Endurance Championship, but insists that his current priority is Formula 1.
Vowles mentioned that he would consider participating in Road to Le Mans to gain necessary experience before racing in the event. He stated that his focus is on achieving success with Williams, and only after winning multiple championships would he contemplate pursuing other racing titles.grandprix.comTue 18 Aug · 01:00 UTC
via AutosportAllan McNish appointed Audi's first racing directorAllan McNish, Audi's new Formula 1 Racing Director, has shared insights from his early career working with Ayrton Senna. He emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, a lesson he aims to apply in his current role.
Autosport+ 1 moreFri 14 Aug · 09:32 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLe Mans legend delivers honest ‘real men’ take on current F1Kristensen acknowledges that while modern F1 requires a more intelligent driving style, it may not be as rewarding for drivers who thrive on the adrenaline of high-speed cornering. He understands the frustrations of current drivers, including Verstappen, regarding the limitations imposed by the new regulations. Looking ahead, changes are anticipated, with the FIA planning to adjust the engine power allocation to favor combustion engines by 2028, aiming to enhance the racing experience.Motorsport WeekTue 11 Aug · 17:31 UTC
via grandprix.comKristensen defends 2026 rules despite artificial racingTom Kristensen, a prominent figure in motorsport, has come out in support of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, despite some criticisms regarding the artificial nature of racing. He highlighted the improvements in car design, making them lighter and more agile, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by energy management at certain tracks. Kristensen emphasized the importance of adaptability for modern drivers in the evolving landscape of Formula 1 racing.
Additionally, Kristensen identified Kimi Antonelli as a standout performer this season, noting his impressive ability to outperform his more experienced teammate. He believes that a driver's mental state plays a significant role in their performance, particularly in managing the complexities of the new cars. Kristensen's insights reflect a blend of optimism for the future of the sport and recognition of the challenges that come with the new regulations.grandprix.comThu 6 Aug · 16:35 UTC
via RaceFansAsian Le Mans Series to take place entirely in Europe following war in Middle East | BriefThe Asian Le Mans Series has announced that its 2026-27 season will be conducted entirely in Europe due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This marks a significant shift from its previous venues, which included tracks in the UAE and Malaysia since 2021.
The new season will feature races at notable European circuits such as Jerez, Paul Ricard, and Autodromo do Algarve. In light of this change, the series will also be rebranded as the 'Winter Le Mans Series', reflecting its new geographical focus.
RaceFansTue 4 Aug · 12:09 UTC
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz reveals Le Mans ambition for life after F1Carlos Sainz has shared his future aspirations beyond Formula 1, specifically his desire to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. During a podcast with teammate Alex Albon, he discussed his long-term goals and expressed interest in possibly racing in GT3 as well, emphasizing the enjoyment of motorsport from a different perspective after his F1 career.
Currently, Sainz is facing a challenging season with Williams, where he ranks 15th in the drivers' standings. The team is struggling, sitting ninth in the constructors' championship, but Sainz remains focused on his future ambitions in motorsport, looking forward to a time when he can race for enjoyment rather than under the pressures of F1.Motorsport.comSat 1 Aug · 12:41 UTC
via theguardian.com‘I’m living every lap and every corner’: Allan McNish on guiding Audi into F1 from pitwallAllan McNish, a former driver and successful sports car racer, is now the racing director for Audi's newly formed Formula 1 team, which made its debut in 2026. He brings a wealth of experience from his racing career, including multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and aims to guide Audi through the challenges of entering the highly competitive F1 environment. Despite the team's current struggles, ranking ninth in the constructors' championship, McNish remains optimistic about their potential for growth and success in the coming years.
McNish emphasizes the importance of understanding the driver's needs and experiences in his role, drawing parallels between his past as a driver and his current responsibilities. Audi's strategy includes a five-year plan to become competitive, with a target set for 2030 to contend for championships. McNish's leadership and insights are seen as valuable assets as Audi navigates its first season in F1, aiming to establish itself as a formidable competitor in the sport.
theguardian.comSat 25 Jul · 07:00 UTC