F1 drivers reveal their enthusiasm for Le Mans
F1 drivers' interest in the 24 Hours of Le Mans demonstrates the continuing fascination with this legendary race. Despite the challenges posed by their Formula 1 commitments, many keep an eye on this iconic race, considering a full commitment in the future.
As the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race approaches, several Formula 1 drivers have shared their interest and thoughts on this iconic event, demonstrating the appeal of this race in the world of motor sports.
Interviewed about this in the pilots’ press conference this Thursday, Esteban Ocon admitted to being really into it. I am also following the Alpine races in the Hypercar category at the moment and I will also be at Le Mans for the 24 Hours. It’s great to see so many different constructors racing in the top category. And to see such tight battles. As I have always said, Formula 1 is my goal, it’s what I want to drive for a long time. But you never know. And for sure, at some point, I will be interested in it.
While the discussion was taking place, Yuki Tsunoda seemed to have missed the question. « Le Mans? Sorry, I wasn’t listening to the question. Next year, Le Mans? » he asked, causing slight annoyance among his fellow drivers.
With humor, Max Verstappen reacted by saying: “Yuki, I need you as a teammate over there. You are so light that you will fly. You could compensate for my weight!” This did not fail to make the whole press room laugh.
Verstappen advocates for a minimum weight at Le Mans
More seriously, the Dutchman shared his memories and insights on the race: “I remember that at 11, 12 years old, my father was racing at Le Mans in LMP2 and then in LMP1 the following year. It’s quite incredible. Even at that time, you are a young child, but the whole atmosphere is fantastic. And the team aspect is important, because it’s not just about you, right? You have to work with your teammates to find the right compromise with the settings.”
He also expressed some reservations about current regulations: « For now, I think it’s too early for me to participate because of the new regulations. I think they need to better adjust the Balance of Performance (BoP) between cars. It’s a bit random at times, I find. Also, for me, there’s also the issue of driver weight. I think there should be a limit because I could reach 80 kilos with the equipment, but there are also drivers who can be 55 or 60. Without wanting to offend you, Yuki! And I think that when we go to Le Mans (like that), we have no chance. That already represents a few tenths of a second per lap. So, they need to adjust that. There should be an average or minimum weight to respect. But it’s certain that in the future, I would like to race. Yes, it’s an incredible event. »
Charles Leclerc, who has been following the category more closely for two years, revealed his personal involvement: “I am a little more involved and I have been following the category more closely for two years, since Ferrari joined the Hypercar category, and even more so this year because my younger brother (Arthur Leclerc, Editor’s note) has started his endurance career in GT.”
Asked about the possibility of driving for Ferrari at Le Mans, Leclerc responded enthusiastically: « Oh, of course. I would love to do Le Mans one day. I think we all have the same problem. The Formula 1 program is crazy now. And we have very little free time to properly prepare for a race like Le Mans, because if I do Le Mans, I want to be ready and go for the win. So we need to take things seriously. And right now with the Formula 1 calendar, it’s quite difficult. But I would like to team up with my little brother to do Le Mans together one day. »
