F1: Max Verstappen Discusses Chances of Teaming Up With Fernando Alonso at Le Mans
Two of the most exceptional F1 drivers in the contemporary era may join forces as teammates in the years ahead. However, this collaboration won't be in the pinnacle of open-wheel racing.
By Divyam Dubey
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has spoken about how Fernando Alonso has approached him about the possibility of a future partnership at the Le Mans 24 Hours. During his hiatus from Formula 1 the two-time world champion, Alonso competed in endurance racing, where he won the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans twice in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota's LMP1 ride. While he is still actively competing in Formula 1, he hasn't ruled out returning to the French endurance classic at some point. Verstappen said that Alonso only showed interest in racing in Le Mans if he was competing alongside the Dutchman, even though Alonso hasn't spoken anything about racing there soon. The active F1 career that Verstappen is currently enjoying will continue until at least 2028, when his current deal with Red Bull expires. However, he has expressed his distaste for the thought of participating in Le Mans during this time.
Also Read: WEC: Alfa Romeo Likely to Explore Endurance Racing Following F1 Departure
Honda Thanks Day
In a reminiscent fashion of 2022, Max Verstappen graced the Honda Thanks Day event once again this year. The iconic Japanese racing track, Twin Ring Motegi, renowned for hosting MotoGP annually, is nestled within the Mobility Resort Motegi, serving as the backdrop for this gathering.
Thanks, Thanks Day #HRTD2023 pic.twitter.com/lhdp70hK5v
— Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) December 5, 2023
The event saw an impressive lineup of Honda-affiliated drivers hailing from diverse racing disciplines. Notable figures such as Red Bull Racing's Sergio Perez, AlphaTauri's Daniel Ricciardo, and Yuki Tsunoda were among the distinguished representatives.
Verstappen actively participated in the event's thrilling karting race and captivating exhibitions. In the previous year's karting competition, Verstappen and Marquez emerged as the dominant duo, forming a formidable championship team that outpaced the Perez and Tsunoda teams.
Also Read: WEC: BMW Secures MotoGP Legend Valentino Rossi for Endurance Racing and Le Mans Campaign
Former F1 Drivers to Compete in WEC Le Mans Team
In preparation for the 2024 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, the defending champions Toyota Gazoo Racing have added a star driver to their roster. The #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid will soon be driven by Nyck de Vries, a former Formula 1 driver, who will replace José María López. De Vries has a stellar history of endurance racing, having competed in the 24-Hours of Le Mans with Racing Team Nederland, G-Drive Racing, and TDS Racing X Vaillante. He was Toyota's reserve driver in the FIA WEC from 2020 to 2022. His endurance racing career has entered a thrilling new chapter with his designated driver return to Toyota.
In the WEC series, Nyck de Vries isn't the only ex-F1 driver causing a stir. Alpine has signed six drivers to race their A424 Hypercars in the championship, including Mick Schumacher, who was formerly with the Haas F1 team. Following a fruitful endurance prototype test with Alpine in October of this year, Schumacher worked alongside the team to become acquainted with the machine's complexities. Because of their combined efforts, they have decided to enter the endurance racing season as a team.
