Max Verstappen could get new team-mate as Fernando Alonso makes intentions clear | F1 | Sport

Fernando Alonso hasn’t ruled out a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and hinted he might even team up with Formula One rival Max Verstappen. Alonso has competed in endurance races previously, most notably during his brief hiatus from the Grand Prix paddock.

He won in back-to-back years at the Circuit de la Sarthe, taking the titles in 2018 and 2019. What’s more, Alosno has raced in the IndyCar Series, but has revealed his focus will be on other events instead.

When quizzed about a return to endurance racing, Alonso explained at the Barcelona Grand Prix: “Indy? No, it’s not really on my mind right now. And Hypercar, I don’t know. It’s not something I have firmly in mind either.

“I’d like to do the Dakar, and I’d like to win the Dakar one day. The challenge itself is what appeals to me. The triple crown is also very attractive, but so is the Dakar, because if you manage to win in Formula 1, endurance racing and rallying, that would also be something with very few precedents.”

While on the prospect of lining up alongside Verstappen, he said: “So I like the challenge. But Hypercar too, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a really beautiful experience for me. Maybe one day I’ll do it again, especially if it’s with Verstappen.”

Verstappen has crossed over to endurance racing in recent months, having competed at the 24H Nurburgring. It’s been touted that Le Mans would be next on the agenda for Verstappen, but that still appears to be some way off just yet.

Speaking earlier this year, Ford Racing boss Mark Rushbrook confirmed talks have taken place, but any appearance won’t be for some time. He said: “We would love to see that. A lot of things need to align for that to happen, but that would of course be incredible for us, for the sport.”

When pushed on whether Verstappen would need to have ended his Formula One career first, he said: “Depending on the schedules, it could be during [his F1 career] or both [during and after his F1 stint]. Discussions go back three-plus years. It’s just looking for the right opportunity with the right programs.”

It has been a successful stomping ground for Formula One drivers in the past, with two current drivers on the grid having triumphed at Le Mans. Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg won in 2015, with the other being Alonso himself.