Would Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso start together at the 24 Hours of Le Mans? The Dutchman hinted at this – but also made some restrictions
Are Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso planning to start together at the 24 Hours of Le Mans? “I spoke to Fernando about it,” revealed the Dutchman at the annual Honda Thanks Day in Motegi, Japan. “He said he would only want to do it with me again. So I thought: ‘Wow, that would be really cool!”
“I would definitely like to do Le Mans,” enthuses Verstappen. “I’ve been there before, when my father raced at Le Mans. The atmosphere is incredible, so many people. Driving at night, at sunrise, I think that’s really cool.”
Unlike Verstappen, who has never competed in the endurance classic at the Sarthe, Alonso has already won the race in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota. The Spaniard also has a world championship title in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which he celebrated together with Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.
“I would take part,” confirms Alonso, who can even imagine competing at Le Mans if he is still racing in the premier class at the same time. “I’ve driven in the World Endurance Championship and the Formula 1 World Championship. So why not the one race? “
Verstappen wants to end his F1 career first
Verstappen’s announcement should be taken with a pinch of salt, however. In an interview with Motorsport.com/Autosport at the end of 2022, the Dutchman had already declared a joint start of the two Formula 1 world champions at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to be conceivable. “I think Fernando will never stop racing,” said Verstappen at the time. “He might be a bit different to me in terms of age, but who knows. “
“We need to get a good opportunity. When Fernando drives, he wants to fight for victory in a competitive car. And I am exactly the same,” explained the three-time world champion. “That’s also the reason why I don’t want to rush the whole project just because there are so many changes in endurance racing at the moment.”
“I think it’s better to wait and see exactly what happens now and how it develops, and then decide. I’m not in a hurry.” In contrast to Alonso, who can imagine a return at any time, Verstappen wants to end his Formula 1 career for now.
However, his current contract with Red Bull does not expire until 2028. “I don’t think I want to do that [now], because you want to concentrate fully on one thing,” says Verstappen. “And when you start combining things and can only do one race, you’re not really well prepared.”
The Red Bull driver does not believe that Alonso could then be too old for a joint Le Mans start. “I mean, if Fernando keeps racing, I’m sure he’ll still be just as competitive at 50 as he is now,” smiles Verstappen. It remains to be seen whether the two Formula 1 world champions will actually race together at Le Mans one day …
