Helmut Marko Breaks Silence on Max Verstappen’s Potential Le Mans Debut

Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko responded to claims of Max Verstappen potentially racing at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Helmut Marko Breaks Silence on Max Verstappen’s Potential Le Mans Debut

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen is making waves in and outside of Formula 1. The Dutch driver headed to the Nürburgring last weekend to compete in a GT2 car ahead of plans to race in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This has sparked rumors over Verstappen potentially racing at Le Mans in the future. Now, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has finally responded to such claims.

The reigning world champion exceeded expectations at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Max Verstappen drove a detuned Porsche Cayman to get a license for the 24 Hours race. The Dutchman passed with flying colors and gained an approval from the authorities.

Le Mans is the pinnacle of endurance racing. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered as one of the three races of motorsport’s triple crown. The other two being the Monaco GP and Indy 500. Thus, it should not be surprising if Max Verstappen wants to compete at Le Mans in the future.

Helmut Marko made it clear that for now, Max Verstappen has no plans to race at the iconic 24-hour race. The Austrian pointed out that Le Mans was a completely different beast than the Nürburgring, with vast speed differences between categories. Le Mans has the Le Mans Hypercars, LMP2, and GT3 categories. Marko asserted that currently Verstappen will only be racing at the Nordschleife.

Le Mans is not in the program. Le Mans is a different story. The speed differences and the different categories are even bigger. For the time being, long distance is only the Nurburgring.

Helmut Marko told Sport.de

Max Verstappen sets eyes on overall victory at Nürburgring

Max Verstappen is the first F1 driver in many years to decide on competing in endurance racing alongside his pre-existing commitments. The Red Bull star is not going to Nürburgring to just make up the numbers. Rather, Verstappen will be competing to win.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Helmut Marko applauded Max Verstappen’s efforts in getting the Nordschleife permit. The 82-year-old recognized that it’s not easy for an F1 driver to take such efforts for another racing series while having his pre-existing commitments. Marko insisted that Verstappen will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours soon and fight for victory.

Yes, I think it’s great that a Formula 1 driver, who has many obligations in addition to the races – simulator, marketing and PR dates – takes the time for such a thing with a huge enthusiasm… I’m sure he’ll compete and he’ll be prepared to fight for the overall victory.

Helmut Marko explained

The 82-year-old did find the permit system a bit peculiar since Max Verstappen had to race in a detuned car despite being a four-time F1 world champion. Though, Marko knew that the Red Bull star was more than prepared for the challenge in hand, having completed over 1000 laps in the sim.

This German procedure, which a four-time world champion has to prove that he can drive around the ring with a 240bhp Porsche, is unique. But he took it all on himself, although he must have already shot 1000 laps in the simulator around the Nürburgring. So he didn’t come unprepared.

Helmut Marko added

Certainly, Max Verstappen has what it takes to race in the world of endurance. The Dutch driver simply enjoys racing, no matter the machinery. A one-time outing at the 24-hour Nürburgring race might pave the door open for more opportunities for the reigning world champion.

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