Max Verstappen already knows which discipline he wants to turn to after Formula 1. The Dutchman dreams of endurance racing, with Le Mans and Hypercars in his sights.
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Max Verstappen does not plan to hang up his helmet for good when he decides to leave Formula 1. The four-time world champion has long nurtured a true passion for endurance racing and intends to continue his career in this discipline once his adventure in the top category is over.
The Dutchman has already had a taste of it this year by participating in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, after several preparation sessions on the formidable Nordschleife. A first experience that apparently only strengthened his desire to explore this facet of motorsport further.
Endurance as a priority after F1
Verstappen has long participated in virtual endurance events from his simulator and no longer hides his ambition to translate this passion into the real world. When asked about the races he would still like to compete in during his career, his answer was particularly clear.
“All endurance races. And eventually, of course, I would also like to race in Hypercar in the World Endurance Championship.”
His contract with Red Bull having recently been extended until the end of the 2030 season, Verstappen still has several years to pursue his ambitions in Formula 1. He therefore does not want to rush his transition to endurance and especially insists on the conditions under which he will accept to take on this new challenge.
“I don’t want to rush things. I want to do it in the right environment, on my terms, and being competitive.”
Verstappen wants to be able to compete for victory
This last requirement is essential for the Dutchman. Verstappen does not seem interested in merely participating in a few major events once his Formula 1 career is over. If he commits to a new program, it will be with the ambition to fight immediately at the front.
This philosophy matches his approach to competition. Despite his interest in different motorsport categories, Verstappen wants to carefully choose his projects and avoid joining a team just to add a prestigious race to his record.
The World Endurance Championship and its Hypercar category thus constitute a natural destination. And among all the events likely to attract him, one race obviously holds a special place: the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A Verstappen-Alonso crew at Le Mans?
The idea of pairing Verstappen with Fernando Alonso to compete at Le Mans has been circulating for several years. The two-time world champion Spaniard already has solid experience in the French event, which he has won twice, and Verstappen confirms that the two men have indeed discussed the possibility of racing together.
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“We talked about it. Look at Fernando: he is 45 years old and he is still extremely fast. For Le Mans in particular, with all his experience, it could be a very good option.”
Such a pairing would bring together two particularly experienced Formula 1 world champions, but several obstacles would still need to be overcome. The main one obviously concerns their respective schedules, especially as long as both drivers remain engaged in the top category.
“It has to fit our schedules and the project has to make sense. It also has to be on my terms.”
One condition only: the chance to win
Verstappen especially sets an additional requirement before seriously considering participation at Le Mans with Alonso. The Dutchman does not just want to be present on the grid: he wants to have the equipment and team necessary to aim for the overall victory.
“There has to be a real chance to go there and win.”
This determination explains why Verstappen refuses to set a date now for his Hypercar debut. His contract with Red Bull still runs until 2030 and his immediate goal remains to bring the Milton Keynes team back to the top of Formula 1.
But his longer-term future already seems to be taking shape. Unlike some drivers who choose to completely end their career after Formula 1, Verstappen clearly envisions a second sporting life behind the wheel.
Le Mans as the next big challenge?
After four world titles in Formula 1 and a first real endurance experience this year, Verstappen could therefore gradually turn to new challenges. The great endurance classics are at the very top of his list, while Hypercar represents the ultimate goal.
Participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Fernando Alonso would obviously be one of the most spectacular projects. The two men have already discussed it, but Verstappen does not want to force anything and will wait until all conditions are met.
One thing now seems certain: when Max Verstappen leaves Formula 1, his racing career should not stop there. Endurance represents his big goal and Le Mans could become the pinnacle, with one non-negotiable condition for the Dutchman: having a real chance to win.
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