Damon Hill reacts to Max Verstappen expressing a desire to race at LeMans 24 hours after his Red Bull contract expires in 2028

Max Verstappen has expressed interest in racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after his contract with Red Bull expires in 2028. World champion Damon Hill reacted to his statement and shared his personal experience.

The reigning Formula 1 champion has a winning streak of four years. In 2025, he is chasing his fifth title against steep competition from McLaren. His present contract with Red Bull Racing is valid until 2028.

The Dutchman has yet to decide on his future in the sport, as the grueling schedule and extending calendar are something he doesn't appreciate. In a chat with Autosport, he said:

“I want to do Le Mans. I have a contract until 2028. I’ll be 31 years old at the end of it. That is still very young."

Le Mans is one of the most challenging motorsport events. In a 24-hour endurance race, three drivers share a car with each racing up to nine hours, which is physically and mentally demanding.

However, Hill believes there is no right age to join Le Mans. He competed in Le Mans in 1989 before making his F1 debut in 1992 with Brabham.

"Like, I didn't get into F1 until I was 32, and I'd already done Le Mans!" Hill said on Instagram.

Damon Hill's IG Story [Image: @96f1champ on Instagram]

Momentarily, Verstappen's focus remains on Formula 1.

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Christian Horner dismisses rumors of Max Verstappen's exit

Christian Horner with Max Verstappen at F1 Grand Prix of Spain - Final Practice - Source: Getty

After a slow start to the 2025 season, where Max Verstappen has won just two out of the first nine races, rumors of his exit in 2026 gained momentum. He reportedly has an exit clause that he could exercise if certain demands are not met this year, including his spot in the championship standings.

However, team principal Christian Horner rejected the speculation. Talking to Bild, he said:

"I haven’t heard anything so stupid for a long time. Max is a racer through and through. He always wants to win and would never act like that."

Verstappen is P3 in the title race with 137 points in nine races. However, the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri, who has 186 with five victories, is widening. Red Bull, meanwhile, plunged to P4 in the constructors race with 144 points, whereas McLaren has comfortably positioned itself at P1 with 362.