Max Verstappen has revealed ongoing discussions with Fernando Alonso regarding a potential entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Red Bull driver has expressed a clear intent for any Le Mans programme to be competitive from its inception, aiming for a genuine opportunity to secure victory.
Verstappen recently identified the Nürburgring 24 Hours, held in May, as his most enjoyable race of the current year, rather than a Formula 1 Grand Prix. He participated in the endurance event with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, alongside Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Dani Juncadella.
During his stint at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Verstappen delivered a notable performance, advancing from tenth to first position amidst challenging and wet conditions. He described the experience as ‘super-cool’ and ‘pure motorsport,’ despite the car ultimately retiring from the race.
Regarding a Le Mans partnership, Verstappen confirmed talks with Alonso, noting the Spaniard’s extensive experience. He stated that such a collaboration would need to align with their schedules and be structured on his terms, ensuring a strong chance of winning.
We’ve talked about it. I mean, look at Fernando. He’s 45 and he’s still flying. Especially for Le Mans, with his experience, it could be a good option. It needs to fit our schedules. It needs to make sense. It needs to be on my terms. And there needs to be a real chance to go there and win it.
Fernando Alonso brings significant endurance racing credentials to any potential Le Mans effort. He has secured two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota, in addition to winning the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Verstappen has indicated his ambition to compete in the top-tier Hypercar class of sports car racing. The Hypercar category is set to see new manufacturers enter in the upcoming 2027 season, expanding the competitive landscape.
McLaren is scheduled to return to the Hypercar class in 2027 with their MCL-HY factory entry, featuring a twin-turbocharged V6 race engine paired with a hybrid MGU system. Ford also plans to debut its WEC Hypercar program in 2027, partnering with ORECA as the chassis supplier.
In Formula 1, Verstappen, a four-time world champion, extended his contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2030 season, an announcement made on August 20, 2026. This agreement followed a period of speculation regarding his future.
Despite his long-term commitment to Red Bull, the 2026 Formula 1 season has presented challenges for Verstappen and the team. Red Bull has experienced a decline in performance under the current regulations, with McLaren having secured both titles in the 2025 season.
Verstappen currently holds sixth position in the drivers’ championship, having faced multiple retirements in the first half of the year. He has also voiced criticism regarding the 2026 F1 cars, describing them as ‘numb to your driver inputs.’
