Verstappen reveals the one driver he wants alongside him

December 24, 2025 Oliver Obel

Max Verstappen has offered a rare glimpse into his thinking about life beyond Formula 1, naming Fernando Alonso as the driver he would most like to share a car with in endurance racing.

The comment came during a discussion about the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race long associated with Formula 1 champions seeking new challenges outside the grand prix calendar.

Speaking in an interview broadcast by Viaplay, Verstappen was asked whether the iconic endurance event appealed to him. According to Dutch motorsport outlet GP Fans, the four-time world champion has already aligned himself with the same endurance racing programme as Alonso.

When the Spaniard’s name was mentioned, Verstappen made his preference clear. “It would be a great opportunity,” he said. “I’d rather have him in the car than 99 per cent of the others.”

Respect forged beyond F1

Alonso’s reputation extends well beyond Formula 1. During a break from the championship, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 2018 and 2019, underlining his adaptability across different forms of racing.

Now 44, Alonso remains a highly respected figure in the paddock and has continued to deliver competitive performances for Aston Martin in recent seasons. Verstappen suggested that experience and resilience are key reasons why Alonso would be such a valuable teammate in endurance competition.

The Red Bull driver also recalled a recent conversation with Alonso that highlighted the physical demands of top-level racing. “I was on a plane with Fernando to Qatar and we talked about it,” Verstappen said. “It’s more about physical discomfort. You have more problems, and these cars aren’t the best to drive anyway. And when you’re older, you suffer more from these things. Your shoulders, your back, your neck it requires much more effort when you’re older.”

A future under discussion

Verstappen’s remarks arrive at a time when his long-term future in Formula 1 continues to be debated. Although he has already secured four world championships and established himself as one of the most successful drivers of the modern era, he has been open about wanting to explore other forms of racing later in his career.

That discussion has intensified following the 2025 season, when Verstappen mounted a late push to defend his title but was narrowly beaten by McLaren’s Lando Norris, who claimed his first championship by a two-point margin.

At Red Bull, Verstappen has worked alongside a succession of teammates, including Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. The team will introduce another new line-up in 2026 after promoting Isack Hadjar from sister squad Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

While Verstappen has made no commitments about when or how he might step away from Formula 1, his admiration for Alonso offers a clear hint at the type of racing and the calibre of teammate he would seek if and when that moment arrives.

Sources: Viaplay, GP Fans