Fernando Alonso has indicated a potential return to endurance racing, specifically the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Max Verstappen as a prospective teammate. The two-time Formula 1 World Champion has openly discussed his future motorsport ambitions beyond his current Grand Prix commitments. Alonso expressed a desire to challenge himself in endurance racing again.
This includes a long-standing goal to win the Dakar Rally. He stated that a return to endurance racing would be particularly appealing if Verstappen were also interested.
Alonso, who turns 45 this month, is currently weighing his options for the 2027 Formula 1 season. His contract with Aston Martin concludes at the end of the current 2026 campaign.
He plans to make a definitive decision regarding his F1 future during the upcoming summer break. Alonso has maintained that even if he steps away from Formula 1, his involvement in motorsport will continue.
The Aston Martin team’s 2026 season has been challenging, with the AMR26 car struggling for consistent performance. Adrian Newey, Aston Martin Team Principal, hopes an upgrade package for the Hungarian Grand Prix will encourage Alonso to extend his F1 tenure.
Alonso has also been critical of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, suggesting they diminish the impact of driver skill. He remarked that a ‘chef could drive’ the 2026 car in certain corners due to the emphasis on energy management.
Max Verstappen, contracted to Red Bull until 2028, has also expressed a strong interest in competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He has confirmed discussions with Alonso regarding a potential team-up for the iconic endurance race.
Verstappen indicated he would only participate in Le Mans if he could contend for victory. Alonso, a two-time Le Mans winner from 2018 and 2019, has stated he would prefer to race with Verstappen.
The prospect of such a collaboration would occur outside of their current Formula 1 commitments. Verstappen’s current Red Bull contract includes an exit clause, reportedly triggerable if he is outside the top two in the drivers’ standings by the mid-season break.
Following the British Grand Prix, Verstappen is currently outside this top-two position. Red Bull reportedly offered €8 million to buy out this clause, an offer Verstappen declined. His manager, Raymond Vermeulen, affirmed loyalty to Red Bull but emphasized the desire for a winning car.
‘I want to win Dakar. I said many times I may want to win different things or challenge myself in endurance racing again, especially if Max [Verstappen] wants to do it one day as well.’
