(Motorsports news) During his break from Formula One, two-time world champion Alonso participated in endurance racing, winning the World Endurance Championship and two Le Mans victories with Toyota’s LMP1 squad in 2018 and 2019. Even while competing in Formula One, he hasn’t ruled out returning to the French endurance classic in the future.
Following the race this year, he stated: “I might leave. I competed in both the Formula 1 and the endurance world championships. Why not just one race, in my opinion, given the two championships?” Verstappen claims that Alonso has been encouraging him to work on the project with him, saying that Alonso is only interested in going back if it involves the Dutchman.
“Le Mans is something I would definitely like to do,” Verstappen stated during the yearly Honda Thanks Day at Motegi. “I was there the last time my dad competed in the Le Mans race.” There’s a great vibe and a large crowd. I find driving at dawn and through the night to be extremely cool. “I’ve been discussing it with Fernando. All he wanted to do was do it with me again, he claimed. I thought, “Whoa, that would be so awesome!”
The subject of Verstappen and Alonso competing together in the French enduro has been raised previously. Verstappen stated in a late-year interview with Motorsport.com, “I believe Fernando will never stop racing.” Given his age, we are probably a little different from one another in that regard, but who knows. We require a favorable occasion. Fernando wants to compete in a competitive car and try to win if he goes. And I’m the same way around.
Because there are so many changes in endurance right now, it is another reason I don’t want to rush the project. In my opinion, it is best to wait and see what is actually happening as well as how things will develop before making a decision. I’m not rushing.” Verstappen, however, stated that, in contrast to Alonso, he finds the thought of participating in Le Mans unpleasant. Verstappen’s F1 career is scheduled to last until at least 2028, when his current Red Bull contract expires.
“Not really. You want to give one item your whole attention, but I don’t think I want to do that,” he said. “And when you start combining stuff and you can only do one race, you’re not really well prepared.” He responded sharply when asked whether it meant there was less time to make a proposal with Alonso, saying, “I mean, if Fernando keeps racing, I’m sure he’ll be as competitive at 50 as he is now!”
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