Three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen recently expressed his growing interest in competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, suggesting a potential dual entry with his F1 obligations. The Red Bull driver, who has dominated F1 circuits with his aggressive driving style, is eyeing the unique challenges and thrills that the Le Mans Hypercar category offers.
Verstappen has revealed he has been approached by several World Endurance Championship teams, hinting at a possible change in his racing career after F1. He explained in an interview with Autosport:
“Of course you get contacted by some people, but it has to happen at the right time and in the right way.
“I don’t want to make a hasty decision either. With these new cars, I think it will be at least another year or two before everything is better understood because in the end it’s always a question of balance of performance.” history and that makes things difficult.
The idea of running a Le Mans participation alongside a full F1 season is not new but faces many logistical challenges. The Dutch driver outlined his conditions for considering such a venture during the F1 season. He continued:
“It entirely depends on the preparation, whether it can be done in the right way or not.
“It’s kind of the same as what I usually do on the simulator. Obviously I wouldn’t have driven this sim race during the Imola weekend if I hadn’t been able to prepare for it properly , but this time I could and so it was possible.
“Of course you can’t race Le Mans and Formula 1 in one weekend, but if it can be combined in a positive way, then I think it can be done during the F1 season.”
However, Verstappen’s transition to Le Mans is not without reservations, particularly regarding the BoP regulations and the physical demands of the race. He expressed particular concerns about weight discrepancies between drivers, which could pose a significant disadvantage in endurance racing.
“It is also too early for me to participate because of the new regulations, I think they need to adjust the BOP between the cars a little better.
“It’s a bit random here and there, I find. Also, for me, also for the rider’s weight, I feel like there has to be a limit to that, because I could weigh up to at 80 kilos with the kit, but there is also a driver who may be 50 or 60 years old.
“When you go to Le Mans, you have no chance, it’s already a few tenths per lap. It’s quite incredible, the difference.
“So they have to sort that out. There has to be an average or minimum weight that you have to stick to. But for sure in the future I would love to race. Yes, it’s an amazing event.”
