Max Verstappen has addressed the growing speculation surrounding a potential Le Mans 24 Hours entry alongside Daniel Ricciardo, a concept the former Red Bull driver recently detailed on the *Beyond the Grid* podcast. During an episode featuring Ricciardo in the “hot seat,” the Australian candidly discussed his post-F1 life and the emotional weight of his final race in Singapore. While Ricciardo admitted he is currently too burned out for full-time competition, he expressed a strong desire for a controlled, one-off return to the cockpit to find personal closure, specifically citing the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the ideal format.
The Dutch star weighs in on the Australian’s proposal for a one-off 24 Hours of Le Mans stint.
The proposal hinges on a unique team dynamic where Ricciardo would share data and strategy with a dedicated teammate, effectively removing the pressure of championship points. Ricciardo listed several high-profile candidates for this role, including Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel, but notably placed Max Verstappen on his shortlist. The Australian emphasized that such a collaboration would “perk him up,” offering a chance to race on his own terms without the long-term commitment that previously led to his decision to step away from Formula 1.
Verstappen’s response to this intriguing scenario adds a layer of intrigue to the end of the 2023 season narrative. While the F1 champion has not yet confirmed any concrete plans, the mention of his name in Ricciardo’s hypothetical lineup highlights the enduring respect and camaraderie between the two drivers. This potential Le Mans outing represents a rare opportunity for elite F1 talent to converge outside the traditional grid, potentially setting a new precedent for post-career racing engagements and keeping both drivers in the global spotlight beyond the F1 calendar.
Source: Yahoo Sports
