Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso would like to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans together
The Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, has revealed that Fernando Alonso has asked him about the possibility of teaming up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future. However, this outcome is not likely to happen anytime soon for the Dutch driver.
Speaking at Honda’s annual thanksgiving day in Motegi, Max Verstappen said: “I would really love to do Le Mans. I’ve been there before when my father was racing at Le Mans. The atmosphere is incredible, there are so many people. Driving at night, at sunrise, I think it’s really cool.”
Fernando Alonso, double Formula 1 world champion, took part in endurance races during his sabbatical from F1, winning Le Mans twice in 2018 and 2019 with the Toyota LMP1 team and clinching the World Endurance Championship title.
He does not exclude returning to this endurance race, even if he is still active in F1. After racing this year, he declared: “« I could do it. I have participated in the World Endurance Championship and the Formula 1 World Championship. I am considering both championships, so why not just one race?” »
According to Verstappen, Alonso approached him to start the project together, stating that the Spaniard would only come back if it was with the Dutchman. I discussed it with Fernando. He said he only wanted to do it again with me. So, I thought to myself, “wow, that would be really cool!”
This is not the first time that the subject of Verstappen’s association with Alonso at the 24 hours has been mentioned. Last year, Verstappen had declared, “« I think Fernando will never stop racing. He is probably a little different from me in that sense with age, but who knows. We have to have a good opportunity. If Fernando leaves, he wants to fight for victory in a competition. And I am exactly the same ».”
Verstappen, however, stated that he didn’t like the idea of competing in Le Mans during his active F1 career, which will continue until at least 2028, when his current contract with Red Bull expires. « “I don’t think I want to do that because you need to fully focus on one thing. And when you start combining things and can only do one race, you’re not really well prepared,” he said. »
« That’s also why I don’t want to rush the whole project, simply because there are so many changes happening right now in endurance. I think it’s best to wait and see what happens now and how it goes, and then decide. I’m not in a hurry ».
When asked if this meant that time was running out for a partnership with Alonso, he replied, “« I mean, if Fernando keeps racing, I’m sure he will be just as competitive at 50 as he is now! »”
