Ford’s endurance racing ambitions could include Max Verstappen, with performance boss Mark Rushbrook admitting the company has already discussed future Hypercar opportunities with the four-time Formula 1 World Champion. Ford and Red Bull partners for the first year in Formula 1 together, the American company making its first return to the pinnacle of the sport this century after a major role in evolving the sport from the 1960s until the 1990s. Furthermore, Ford will enter the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class in 2027 with its new LMDh prototype, marking the brand’s return to the top category of endurance racing. The American manufacturer already competes in WEC with customer Mustang LMGT3 entries, while its Formula 1 return this year came through its partnership with Red Bull Racing. Verstappen’s growing interest in endurance racing has only intensified speculation about a future Le Mans programme. The Dutchman is set to compete in next week’s Nürburgring 24 Hours in a Mercedes AMG GT3, while repeatedly expressing his desire to race at Le Mans for an outright win. Speaking to Motorsport.com Netherlands, Rushbrook confirmed Ford has already held discussions with Verstappen about sportscar racing possibilities. “Yes, of course,” said Rushbrook. “We love Max. We love what he does in the Formula 1 car, on the track. “We love him off the track. He's a great person, as much as he's a great driver. We love his passion to be racing GT3, like he is, and what he does with developing drivers through sim racing and getting them on the track. Verstappen is a racer, he wants to race “So, of course, we have regular discussions with him about what are the opportunities to do more in sportscar, including Hypercar. He’s a racer. He wants to race," according to Rushbrook, who added that Verstappen