Sebastian Vettel may have retired from Formula 1, but the four-time world champion is clearly not done dreaming – and his latest fantasy involves a certain Dutch lion and a date with endurance racing royalty at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In comments that will have motorsport romantics reaching for their calendars, Vettel has revealed that he and Max Verstappen have already discussed the possibility of joining forces for the most gruelling race on the planet.
Red Bull nostalgia? Perhaps. A blockbuster endurance super-team? Very possibly.
The Dream Team Dilemma
While the thought of two Red Bull icons sharing a cockpit is enough to send the paddock into frenzy, Verstappen – ever the ruthless perfectionist – isn't about to sign up for a weekend drive.
For Max, the "fun" is strictly tied to the trophy cabinet. When grilled about the prospect of a Vettel partnership, Verstappen was enthusiastic but characteristically pragmatic.
"Yeah, yeah. I would love to do that. But, of course, only if we are able to fight for wins. You need to be with the right team,” his said.
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He also couldn't resist a playful jab at the grid’s resident immortal, Fernando Alonso, suggesting that the window for this super-team might be open for quite a while.
"So it's a bit difficult to say at the moment when this can happen,” he added. “But I mean, I heard Fernando's going to be racing until he's 75 anyway. So I'm sure we'll find a time and a year to race all together!”
Alonso, never one to miss out on a podium-hunting party, has already signaled his interest, provided the outfit is “very well prepared."
Endurance Ambitions Gathering Pace
Verstappen’s Le Mans flirtation isn’t just paddock gossip. His growing commitment to endurance racing is tangible.
Speaking in Bahrain about a potential Nürburgring 24 Hours entry, the four-time world champion confirmed once again his interest. But preparation, he stressed, is everything.
"I want to do it. We are working on it to make it happen, but I cannot confirm it yet," he said.
"But it's great from the organisers that they changed the date [of the preparation race]. Because I think if I do it, I need one race in preparation compared to guys that have been doing it for a while and have a bit more experience.
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“Also, for me, doing it in a new car that I've not driven there at the Nordschleife, I think you need a race just to learn the procedures
"Even for me doing a pitstop, doing a driver change, I mean, I normally don't do that. So, all these little things, I just want to prepare well for then potentially participating in the 24 Hours."
It’s a revealing glimpse into Verstappen’s mindset: talent alone is not enough. Procedures, rhythm, teamwork – endurance racing demands a different discipline from the flat-out fury of Formula 1.
For now, the Vettel–Verstappen Le Mans alliance remains an enticing “what if.” Contracts, timing and competitiveness will dictate reality. But the seed has been planted – and in motorsport, that’s often how legends begin.
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