Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains one of the great ambitions for many Formula 1 champions, and Max Verstappen is no exception. The Dutch driver has often spoken about his interest in endurance racing and is planning to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring later this year. From there, a future start at Le Mans would be a natural next step in his career.

The story has gained extra attention because of a possible partnership with Sebastian Vettel. Although Vettel retired from Formula 1 in 2022, he has remained open to new challenges. After stepping away from F1, he tested a Porsche in the World Endurance Championship, showing that long distance racing still appeals to him. In an interview with ServusTV, Vettel revealed that the idea of racing together has already been discussed. “I have regular contact with Max, and we spoke a few years ago about driving Le Mans together if the opportunity comes,” he said. “It is a small dream.”

Verstappen has welcomed the idea, but he has also made his conditions clear. “I would love to do that, but only if we are able to fight for the win,” he explained. “You need to be with the right team.” He also admitted that timing could be a challenge. Preparing for Le Mans takes months, sometimes even years, and a start in 2026 is not possible because the race clashes with the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona. Still, Verstappen kept the door open, adding with a smile, “I heard Fernando is racing until he is 75, so I am sure we will find a year to do it together.”

That comment prompted a light hearted response from Fernando Alonso, who won Le Mans twice with Toyota in 2018 and 2019. “I have a 100 per cent record at Le Mans,” Alonso joked. “If I go back, they need to be very well prepared.”

As for Vettel’s future away from the cockpit, he has been linked with a possible role at Red Bull Racing, potentially replacing Helmut Marko in the young driver programme. However, Vettel has stressed that he is not in a hurry to decide. “It depends on the role and whether it suits me,” he said. “I have to feel motivated. It has to be a challenge that really interests me.”