Fernando Alonso open to Le Mans return alongside Max Verstappen

Fernando Alonso has left open the possibility of a high-profile return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, saying the idea would carry particular appeal if he were able to share a car with Max Verstappen.

Alonso weighs life beyond F1

Speaking during an on-stage interview with F1 in Barcelona in front of his home crowd, Alonso was asked about possible future challenges outside Formula 1. He made clear that IndyCar is not currently part of his thinking, while Hypercar is not yet a firm plan either.

That wording is revealing. Alonso is not simply chasing appearances; he is still motivated by disciplines that would test him in a different way. The Dakar, in particular, appears to sit prominently in his long-term ambitions.

Verstappen link adds intrigue

Alonso also underlined the appeal of combining success across very different categories, pointing to Formula 1, endurance racing and rallying as a rare competitive spread.

“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,” 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.”

The Verstappen reference naturally sharpens the storyline, particularly at a time when his future remains a frequent subject of speculation, as explored in our recent coverage of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract stance.

Aston Martin struggles frame the backdrop

For now, Alonso remains tied to Aston Martin’s difficult F1 campaign. The team is working through major issues with its 2026 machinery, while Alonso and Lance Stroll have endured a punishing start.

After the first seven rounds, Alonso sits 18th in the drivers’ championship with one point, while Stroll is 22nd with zero. Aston Martin is 10th in the constructors’ standings, ahead only of Cadillac, which joined the grid in 2026.

Against that backdrop, Alonso’s comments are not a commitment to leave F1, but they are a reminder that his competitive horizon remains wider than the grand prix paddock.