The idea is one that ignites the imagination of motorsport fans: Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen together at Le Mans. Still an embryonic concept, it has arisen from private conversations and a mutual respect that goes beyond world titles. But the mere mention by one of the two instantly turns the hypothesis into a hot topic, capable of uniting the past, present, and future of Formula 1 in a single exciting vision.
Vettel opens the door to Le Mans with Verstappen
Sebastian Vettel hinted at the possibility of an enticing collaboration at Le Mans with his fellow four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. The German revealed that he had discussed with Verstappen the idea of forming a team to tackle the legendary 24 Hours in the future.
Vettel, who like Verstappen has won four world championships with Red Bull, retired from F1 at the end of the 2022 season and has since kept a relatively low profile, making only a few public appearances at Grands Prix and other sporting events. Speaking to Sky Germany, the former Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin driver stated:
“I am also in regular contact with Max, and a few years ago we talked about how, if the opportunity arose, we could race together at Le Mans.”
Verstappen: “Yes, I would like to. But only to win”
When asked whether he would be interested in racing alongside Vettel at Le Mans, the Dutchman replied:
“Yes, yes. I would really like to do it. But, of course, only if we are in a position to fight for victory. You need to be in the right team. So it’s a bit difficult to say at the moment when this could happen. But I heard that Fernando will race until he’s 75, so I’m sure we’ll find the right moment and the right year to race all together.”
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, already a Le Mans 24 Hours winner, said he would be interested in joining the pair if the team were “very well prepared.”
Verstappen made his GT3 debut last year with a victory and is now targeting the Nürburgring 24 Hours. His hopes have grown following a favorable calendar change, although he has not yet confirmed his participation:
“I want to do it. We are working to make it happen, but I cannot confirm it yet. It’s great that the organizers changed the date, because I think that if I do it, I will need a preparation race compared to the guys who have been doing it for a long time and have a bit more experience. Also, for me, doing it with a new car I have never driven at the Nordschleife, I think one race is necessary just to learn the procedures.”
The idea of a Vettel-Verstappen-Alonso trio at Le Mans still seems distant, but the words of the protagonists have already sparked an irresistible imagination. Between mutual respect, shared ambitions, and the desire to test themselves on terrain different from Formula 1, the project has all the ingredients to become one of the most anticipated events in modern motorsport. For now, it remains a dream—but one of those that, once imagined, is hard to let fade away.
The prospect of seeing these three iconic champions unite for the ultimate endurance challenge highlights the enduring allure of Le Mans, suggesting that while their F1 paths may differ, their hunger for racing excellence remains a powerful common denominator.
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