Vettel eyes Le Mans partnership with Verstappen
Sebastian Vettel is in talks with Max Verstappen about teaming up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Fernando Alonso also expressing interest in joining the potential champion trio. The plan depends on securing a ride with a team capable of fighting for the win.
Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel has revealed ongoing discussions with Max Verstappen about forming a dream team for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The retired German driver confirmed the plan is contingent on having a competitive package, a sentiment echoed by both Verstappen and two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who also expressed interest in joining the potential super-team.
Why it matters:
A Le Mans entry featuring a trio of F1 world champions—Vettel, Verstappen, and Alonso—would be one of the most high-profile driver lineups in the history of endurance racing. It highlights the growing appeal of top-level sports car competition for current and former F1 stars and would generate massive global interest in the WEC and the iconic French race.
The details:
- Vettel stated he is in regular contact with Verstappen and that they talked "a few years ago" about contesting Le Mans together when the opportunity arises.
- When asked about the idea in Bahrain, Verstappen confirmed his interest but emphasized the condition: "I would love to do that. But, of course, only if we are able to fight for wins. You need to be with the right team."
- Alonso, present during the same media session, was also keen, adding the caveat that the team would need to be "very well prepared."
- Separately, Verstappen is actively working towards a debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2026, following his successful GT3 and endurance racing debut this year. He noted the importance of preparation races to learn procedures like pit stops and driver changes, which are foreign to an F1 driver.
What's next:
While a timeline remains uncertain, the stars appear to be aligning for a future collaboration. Verstappen humorously referenced Alonso's longevity, saying, "I heard Fernando's going to be racing until he's 75 anyway. So I'm sure we'll find a time and a year to race all together." The major hurdle will be aligning their schedules with a top-tier Hypercar program capable of challenging for victory at Le Mans, making any potential entry a multi-year project rather than an imminent announcement.