Fernando Alonso casts doubt over Max Verstappen Le Mans dream

Fernando Alonso has played down the prospect of teaming up with Max Verstappen for the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans, admitting the idea is not realistic right now. The two-time Le Mans winner says Verstappen's packed racing calendar is the biggest hurdle to a dream partnership.

Why it matters:

Both F1 champions have previously spoken about their desire to race together at Le Mans, and with the 2027 event not clashing with a grand prix weekend, the door appeared open. Alonso's latest comments, however, suggest that window is not as wide as many hoped.

The details:

• When asked what would need to happen for the pairing to become reality, Alonso told media including RacingNews365: "That Max is more free on the calendar. He does a lot of races."
• The Spaniard does not expect a 2027 entry: "I don't think next year will happen, but maybe in the future. That would be nice."
• Verstappen has long been an admirer of endurance racing and has repeatedly expressed his ambition to compete at Le Mans.
• Alonso, who won the race with Toyota in 2018 and 2019, remains open to a future collaboration.

What's next:

While a 2027 Le Mans link-up looks unlikely, Alonso's wider motorsport future remains a talking point. The Aston Martin driver has yet to confirm whether he will stay in F1 next year, but he insists he will keep racing no matter what.

• "I will be around, as I said many times, I will keep driving," he said.
• "If it's in F1 or other categories, I don't really know. While I'm in F1, I will be with this team, driving or not driving."
• "I love the sport. F1 is my life, motorsport is my life, and it will always be."