Alonso says Verstappen will have to wait longer for a Le Mans plan

Alonso and Verstappen have discussed the possibility of competing together in the French endurance classic. When the Spaniard is asked what it would take to make that plan a reality, his answer is short but strong: “For Max to have more room in his schedule.” The two-time world champion does not expect the 2027 calendar to offer an opportunity.

“No. I don’t think it’s going to happen next year, but maybe in the future,” he says, sharing his expectation about a joint entry. A definitive decision about a possible Le Mans debut for Verstappen cannot be inferred from that. On paper, 2027 does offer an opening for Verstappen. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be run on June 12 and 13, on a weekend without a Formula 1 race.

However, a free race weekend alone is not enough to make participation possible. The mandatory test day presents a significant obstacle. The test day is scheduled for Sunday, June 6, when Verstappen is also expected in Monaco for the Grand Prix. For debutants, the norm is that they must complete ten laps during that test. Even with permission, Verstappen would miss an important preparation moment. Moreover, a suitable seat would have to be available.

The Dutchman would like to race in a hypercar, allowing him to fight for the overall victory. Because Le Mans is part of the World Endurance Championship, a manufacturer must also take into account its full-time drivers and their championship. Alonso has already built up experience in the WEC and has made it clear that a return to endurance racing is certainly appealing to him.

Before the summer break, there were jokes about him joining Verstappen in McLaren’s Hypercar, which will debut in the WEC in 2027. When asked about that scenario, Alonso responded with a laugh to, among others, GPblog: “I don’t know if Zak has the budget for that!” It was not a serious expectation, however. Alonso considered an initial return with the Aston Martin Valkyrie more likely, given his ties with the British brand.

His decision about his future in the top tier will mainly depend on the F1 regulations. He is not a fan of the way racing is done at the moment. He does make it clear, though, that he will not stop racing after 2027, no matter what. “I’ll stay active. As I’ve often said, I’ll keep racing—whether that’s in Formula 1 or in other categories, I don’t really know yet. And as long as I’m in Formula 1, I’ll stay with this team, whether I’m driving or not, because I love the sport. Formula 1 is my life. Motorsport is my life and it always will be.”