Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso Eye a Legendary Collaboration
Max Verstappen has once again hinted at a potential partnership with fellow Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso for the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Dutch driver remains keen on competing in the prestigious endurance race, which forms part of motorsport’s legendary Triple Crown, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.
The idea of Verstappen and Alonso sharing the cockpit at Le Mans has been a long-discussed possibility, and according to Verstappen, both drivers are on the same page. However, the burning question remains: When will this dream team hit the track, and who will be their third driver?
Verstappen’s Red Bull Contract: A Delaying Factor
At 27 years old, Verstappen is still in the prime of his Formula 1 career. He is contracted to Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028, making it unlikely that his Le Mans debut will happen before then. Given the physical and mental demands of modern F1 racing, Verstappen has previously suggested that his current Red Bull deal could be his last—or at most, penultimate—contract in Formula 1.
This raises speculation that he might transition into endurance racing once his time in F1 comes to an end. Meanwhile, Alonso, at 42 years old, is showing no signs of slowing down in F1 but already has one Le Mans victory under his belt—having won in 2018 with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
The Missing Piece: Who Joins Verstappen and Alonso?
One key factor in forming a successful Le Mans team is finding the right third driver. Initially, Verstappen had hoped to race alongside his father, Jos Verstappen, at Le Mans. However, Jos, a former F1 driver, has expressed no interest in competing in the endurance classic.
“It’s in the back of our minds, we know that we want to do it,” Verstappen revealed in an interview with The Mirror. “[My dad] is still very good at it, but he doesn’t want to. He just doesn’t want to do it anymore.”
With his father out of the equation, Verstappen and Alonso will need to recruit a suitable third teammate. Given the weight restrictions in endurance racing, Verstappen has stressed the importance of selecting a lighter driver to balance out his own weight disadvantage.
Nyck de Vries: A Strong Contender for the Third Seat?
In previous discussions about a potential Le Mans lineup, Verstappen has floated the name of Nyck de Vries—the former Formula E champion and ex-AlphaTauri F1 driver.
“One [driver] I would like to definitely have in the team is Nyck de Vries. He’s fast and he’s very light,” Verstappen shared in a conversation with F1 eSports star Jarno Opmeer.
De Vries’ prior experience at Circuit de la Sarthe, where Le Mans is held, makes him a logical choice. Having raced at Le Mans three times, he is well-acquainted with the endurance format and could provide a strong strategic advantage to the team.
Why Verstappen and Alonso’s Partnership Makes Sense
There are several reasons why Verstappen and Alonso could form a formidable duo at Le Mans:
- Shared Passion for Endurance Racing – Alonso has already won Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), while Verstappen has frequently spoken about his desire to explore endurance racing after F1.
- Elite Driving Skillset – Both drivers are known for their adaptability, aggression, and racecraft—qualities crucial in endurance racing.
- Teamwork & Respect – Despite their fierce competition in F1, Verstappen and Alonso have mutual respect for each other’s talents, making them ideal partners for a high-stakes endurance race.
When Will Verstappen and Alonso Finally Team Up?
The biggest obstacle remains Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull until 2028. With the demanding F1 calendar, participating in Le Mans while still competing in F1 is highly unlikely.
Alonso, on the other hand, has already proven that an F1 driver can successfully transition into endurance racing, having balanced his Toyota WEC program alongside his F1 career with McLaren in 2018.
If Verstappen remains in F1 beyond 2028, he may delay his Le Mans debut even further. However, if he steps away from Formula 1 after his current contract, a Le Mans entry in 2029 or 2030 could become a reality.
Final Thoughts: Will Verstappen and Alonso Make Le Mans History?
A Verstappen-Alonso partnership at Le Mans would undoubtedly be one of the most exciting collaborations in motorsport history. Their combined talent, experience, and hunger for victory could make them strong contenders for a Le Mans triumph.
However, until Verstappen’s F1 future becomes clearer, fans will have to wait and see when this dream duo will finally take on the legendary 24-hour challenge.
