The Rolex 24 at Daytona is no ordinary race. It’s a grand stage where motorsport’s elite come together to battle for endurance supremacy. This year, three-time Supercars champion and rising NASCAR star Shane van Gisbergen is set to take on the challenge in the GTD Pro class, piloting the No. 91 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3R. Teaming up with Supercars legend Scott McLaughlin, NASCAR rookie Connor Zilisch, and seasoned veteran Ben Keating, van Gisbergen has an enviable squad behind him. But SVG has made headlines with a bold gesture: an open invitation to Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen to join the Daytona fray.
Van Gisbergen’s Dream Partnership: Max Verstappen at Daytona
During a pre-race press conference, van Gisbergen and his teammates were asked which driver they’d love to see at the Rolex 24. The response was unanimous and electrifying.
“I’d love to see Max Verstappen come out here and play around with us,” shared Ben Keating. Van Gisbergen eagerly chimed in, “I feel the same. I was just messaging him [Max] about it before. I think he’d be good here.”
This wasn’t just wishful thinking. Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 champion, has openly expressed a desire to compete in endurance racing, including Daytona and Le Mans. In late 2024, Verstappen shared his passion for taking on these iconic events, saying, “I want to go there and try to win it, be really competitive.”
The Formula 1 Barrier: Scheduling Conflicts
While Verstappen’s interest in endurance classics is genuine, Formula 1’s grueling calendar remains a significant obstacle. Speaking in November 2024, Verstappen highlighted the challenge of preparation amidst a packed F1 schedule.
“With such a busy F1 schedule, it’s almost impossible because we finish so late in the season. To properly prepare for Daytona or Le Mans is pretty impossible… But who knows? Maybe in a few years. I’ll still be young-ish and able to drive the cars.”
Formula 1’s extended season, stretching into late November, leaves little room for the rigorous preparation required for endurance racing. However, Verstappen’s recent experience piloting an Acura ARX-06 at Honda’s ‘Hybrid Heroes’ event showcased his adaptability and hinted at future possibilities.
Van Gisbergen’s Endurance Racing Legacy
For van Gisbergen, the Rolex 24 is more than just another stop on the calendar—it’s his favorite endurance event, surpassing even the iconic Le Mans and Bathurst 1000. This year marks his sixth entry at Daytona, where he has previously come tantalizingly close to victory. In 2015, he secured a podium finish in the GTD class, and his last appearance in 2020 saw him partner with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch.
This time, armed with the potent Corvette Z06 GT3R and a star-studded lineup, van Gisbergen is determined to chase glory once again.
The Future of Verstappen at Daytona
Van Gisbergen’s invitation to Verstappen is more than just a playful challenge—it reflects a growing bridge between motorsport disciplines. As Verstappen inches closer to a potential foray into endurance racing, the possibility of seeing him at Daytona becomes increasingly plausible. With his unparalleled skill and hunger for competition, Verstappen would undoubtedly add a new level of excitement to the Rolex 24.
Looking Ahead
The Rolex 24 at Daytona begins January 25, and all eyes will be on the No. 91 Corvette Z06 GT3R as van Gisbergen, McLaughlin, Zilisch, and Keating aim to claim victory. Meanwhile, fans and competitors alike will be left wondering: could Max Verstappen take up SVG’s challenge in the future?