Verstappen Names Alonso as Ideal Le Mans Teammate, Citing Immense Respect
Max Verstappen named Fernando Alonso as his preferred teammate for a potential Le Mans entry, praising the two-time champion's consistency and fitness despite his age.
Max Verstappen has revealed he would rather team up with Fernando Alonso for the 24 Hours of Le Mans than with "99% of other drivers." The four-time F1 champion's comments highlight his immense respect for the two-time world champion, praising his enduring performance and physical condition as he continues to compete at the highest level well into his 40s.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's public admiration for Alonso, a driver from a previous generation, underscores a unique level of mutual respect between two of the sport's most intense competitors. It also provides a rare glimpse into Verstappen's post-F1 ambitions, suggesting that endurance racing, and specifically Le Mans, is a serious target for his future. For Alonso, it's another testament to his remarkable longevity and sustained competitiveness, which continue to impress even the current generation's dominant champion.
The details:
- Verstappen's Praise: In an interview with Viaplay, Verstappen stated, "It would be a great opportunity. I'd rather have him in the car than 99% of the others."
- Consistency is Key: Verstappen specifically highlighted Alonso's performance in the 2024 season, where the 44-year-old out-qualified his teammate, Lance Stroll, at every single race weekend.
- A Private Conversation: The Dutch driver recounted a discussion with Alonso on a flight to Qatar about the physical challenges of aging in motorsport.
- The Physical Toll: Verstappen shared Alonso's insight: "It's more about physical ailments. You get more problems... Shoulders, back, neck, it requires significantly more effort." This conversation seems to have deepened Verstappen's appreciation for what Alonso is still achieving.
What's next:
While a Le Mans partnership between Verstappen and Alonso remains speculative for now, the mutual interest is clearly there. Verstappen has previously stated he does not intend to race in F1 into his 40s, unlike Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, making a move to endurance racing a logical next step. A combined effort from a four-time F1 champion and a two-time F1 champion who is also a two-time Le Mans winner would be a massive story and an instant favorite for overall victory, should it materialize.