Verstappen keen on a father-and-son onslaught on Le Mans

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Max Verstappen has expressed an interest in racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a not too distant future, and preferably in a line-up that would include his father Jos.

Aston Martin's announcement last week of its participation in the WEC's new hypercar class from 2021 with its Red Bull racing developed Valkyrie has led to speculation that the Milton Keynes-based drivers could join the British squad for Le Mans.

Verstappen said a potential involvement with Aston Martin had not been discussed but the Dutchman admitted he could be enticed to race in the endurance classic.

Newey's Aston Martin Valkyrie to race at Le Mans in 2021

"My desire is to do Le Mans one day. When it happens, I don’t know," said Verstappen.

"I’m talking to my dad as well, so he needs to train a bit! If I want to do Le Mans, I would like to do it with my dad."

Jos Verstappen raced twice in the legendary 24-hour event, winning the LMP2 class in 2008 and running the following year with an Aston Martin Racing-entered LMP1 Lola that finished 13th overall.

"I've watched it a lot, I've been there when my dad was driving. I think it's a very cool race," added Verstappen who tackled a few 24-hour races in the virtual world of sim racing.

"What I like is that you have so many different cars in categories, going through the traffic and stuff, especially in the night. I find that it is really amazing to drive.

"I've done one myself online! It's a lot of fun. I couldn't get enough of the night driving."

Asked if he could race at Le Mans while still active in F1, Verstappen pointed to Nico Hulkenberg's triumph in the event with Porsche in 2015 as proof that it can be done.

"If it doesn't clash. You saw Nico [Hulkenberg] do it, and he won it," the Dutchman said.

"Of course, I always want to win, but there's luck involved as well. It's such a long and crazy race. A lot of things can happen."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.