Max Verstappen has said he is „definitely” still interested in competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future, and the Dutchman has revealed Fernando Alonso is keen to be one of his team-mates.
Verstappen, who is contracted to race in F1 with Red Bull for at least the next five seasons, has previously spoken of his desire to tackle the famous race won by his father Jose in 2008 as an LMP2 class driver.
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At the recent Honda Racing Thanksgiving Day, when single-seaters, sports cars and bikes were in action, Verstappen was asked about his chances of one day competing outside of F1.
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„I definitely want to do Le Mans,” he clarified. „I've already been there when my dad was racing and the atmosphere is amazing. It's endurance, lots of people, driving all night, the sunrise – I think it's fantastic.
Asked what his 'dream team' would be for the event, Verstappen checked fellow F1 driver Alonso, Outright winner of Le Mans With Toyota in 2018 and 2019, “I have been talking to Fernando about this. He said he would like to do it again with only me. That would be really cool.
„The only thing is that Le Mans doesn't really have a minimum weight for a driver. I'm a very heavy driver, so I have to find lighter team-mates to compensate. Fernando is very light, which would be great, but we have to find another one – I have to see!”
Verstappen also took a moment to discuss other motorsport categories – and some of the machines he's been able to test in recent years.
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„Of course, I want to try the MotoGP bike,” he commented. „I enjoy Super GT, I have to try one, it's really good. Super Formula car, they're really cool, and it's the fastest car below F1, so they're nice.
As for whether he would be tempted to try IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500, the latter the final leg of the 'Triple Crown' with wins at Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix, Verstappen added: „I'd like to see it. I have a lot of respect for what they're doing, but I don't think I'll be participating.
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Back in F1 circles, Verstappen is gearing up for another title defense in 2024 as he looks to make it four drivers' championships.
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”