WEC | Alonso and Verstappen together at Le Mans? Here’s why the idea is tempting and should not be underestimated
The Asturian and the Dutchman exchanged playful glances during the Bahrain pre-season F1 tests when asked about the possibility of teaming up for the French 24-hour classic. And it could happen – under one condition.
The scene brought smiles to everyone in the press room during the F1 pre-season tests in Bahrain, when two generations, separated by 16 years but united by something far stronger than age – mutual respect – sat together in front of FIA microphones.
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen publicly revisited an idea that endurance fans have dreamed of for years: racing together at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This isn’t the first time the notion has surfaced, and it surely won’t be the last. Every time they exchange a nod of understanding, rumors flare up across the paddock.
The conversation was prompted by earlier comments from Sebastian Vettel, who admitted that he regularly speaks with Verstappen, and that they had previously discussed racing together at Le Mans.
The Dutchman didn’t dodge the question. On the contrary, he said: “Of course I’d like to, but only if we can fight for victory. It has to be with the right team.”
He had a clear idea in mind: if it happens, it will be with the intention to win. Then he looked to his right: “I’ve heard Fernando will race until he’s 75… so I’m sure we’ll find a time to do it all together.”
The “all together” was no accident. In his mind, the former Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin driver was included as well. A trio of world champions that, on paper, seems like a dream for any endurance racing fan.
Alonso’s condition: his perfect record at Le Mans
Alonso picked up the gauntlet without hesitation, but true to his style, with a half-smile: “I have a 100% win record at Le Mans. If I do it again, everything must be very well prepared.”
And this is no exaggeration. The Asturian competed in 2018 and 2019, winning both editions with Toyota and also securing the WEC title. Two participations, two victories. Flawless statistics. For someone as competitive as him, that’s far from a trivial detail.
Between the lines, the message is clear: if Alonso returns to Le Mans, it won’t be just to be part of the grid.
Mutual admiration beyond Formula 1
The interesting part of this exchange is not just the still-remote possibility of seeing them share the same car. It’s the context.
Verstappen has repeatedly acknowledged that Alonso was one of his role models while growing up watching F1. He admired Alonso’s ability to maximize cars that were not the best and still fight for championships, to compete against stronger structures and, despite that, challenge everyone.
Alonso, for his part, has publicly paid tribute to the Dutchman. He praised Verstappen’s ability to win titles even when the car was no longer dominant and to fight until the final race. He said it plainly: what Verstappen does is special driver stuff.
Between the two, there is respect. And something more: understanding. Both live to compete. Both have made it clear that when their F1 careers end, they will continue racing in other categories. Retirement in silence is not on the agenda.
That’s why, more than just a recurring joke, the idea of seeing Alonso and Verstappen sharing a team at Le Mans seems like only a matter of time. Maybe with Vettel. Maybe without him. But the wink remains.
For now, F1 takes center stage. But when two drivers who live for racing look at each other in a press room and talk about the future, it’s worth listening. Sometimes jokes are just jokes. Other times, they’re warnings.
The prospect of Alonso and Verstappen sharing a cockpit at Le Mans is more than just a media fantasy; it is a collision of two of the most relentless competitive spirits in motorsport history. While their current F1 commitments keep them tethered to the Grand Prix circuit, the mutual understanding and respect they share suggest that once the pressure of the F1 calendar eases, the Sarthe circuit will be their primary target. If they do decide to join forces—potentially alongside Sebastian Vettel—it won’t be a mere “farewell tour,” but a calculated assault on victory that would likely reset the benchmarks for endurance racing.
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