Alonso Open to Sensational Le Mans Return Alongside Verstappen

Fernando Alonso has reignited speculation about his future beyond Formula 1, revealing that a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans holds real appeal—especially if he could share the cockpit with Max Verstappen. The two-time world champion, who won at La Sarthe in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota, ruled out a comeback to IndyCar but admitted he still craves the challenge of winning the Dakar Rally.

Why it matters:

Alonso’s endorsement of a potential Hypercar program carries real weight given his endurance pedigree. Pairing a proven Le Mans winner with F1’s current standard-bearer would generate enormous crossover appeal and bring fresh global attention to the World Endurance Championship. It also signals how seriously elite drivers now view sports-car racing as a legitimate second act rather than a simple retirement tour.

The details:

• Speaking at an F1 event in Barcelona, Alonso called Le Mans a “really beautiful experience” and said he would do it again “especially if it’s with Verstappen.”
• The 44-year-old dismissed a return to IndyCar, saying it is “not really on my mind right now,” and placed the Dakar Rally high on his bucket list alongside the Triple Crown.
• Aston Martin’s struggles: Alonso’s comments come during a brutal 2026 campaign. He sits 18th in the drivers’ standings with a single point after seven races, while teammate Lance Stroll is 22nd with zero points.
• The Silverstone-based outfit ranks 10th in the constructors’ championship, only clear of newcomer Cadillac.

What’s next:

For now, Alonso remains tied to Aston Martin’s troubled F1 program. Any Le Mans return would likely wait until his grand prix career ends, but the prospect of a star-studded lineup featuring Alonso and Verstappen gives the WEC plenty to dream about in the meantime.