23 May 2023 , 15:50
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Fernando Alonso declared he would "love" to team up with Max Verstappen in the future.
At the moment, in Formula 1, they are rivals. Alonso has been the closest of anyone to the Red Bulls on the grid so far this season though, admittedly, his Aston Martin car remains some way off the pace of those fearsome RB19s.
Speaking after the last race in Miami, where he secure his fourth podium in five outings this year, the 41-year-old shared his desire to compete with the top two. "At the beginning of the year a podium was amazing. Now, with four podiums, we obviously want more. At least a second place!" said the Spaniard.
But even though he has placed a target on Verstappen's back on the F1 grid, he is still open to the idea of a collaboration in a different racing event. Alonso is a winner at Le Mans and Verstappen has admitted he would like to give endurance racing a go.
And the Spaniard would jump at the opportunity to partner him. He told reporters: "In the future, for sure, if there is any opportunity. We are very good friends, we are always in contact. I would love to do Le Mans – if I do Le Mans once again – with Max.
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"You know that [when] you pass the car [to a team-mate], when you go to rest, [you are passing it to] the best [drivers], so your car is in the best hands. That would be an honour."
Fernando Alonso is already a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner (AFP/Getty Images)Both are up for a crack at Le Mans and the F1 racers also share the same feelings about going for motorsport's fabled 'triple crown'. Both have won the Monaco Grand Prix while Alonso has that Le Mans title in the bag, leaving only victory at the Indianapolis 500 between him and that exclusive club with only one member – Graham Hill.
However, although the desire "is there" for Alonso, he admitted: "If I want to win the Indy 500, I need a few attempts and maximum commitment and run a few ovals beforehand. I think when I stop Formula 1 this time, maybe I don't want that commitment. There is a danger factor as well."
And Verstappen has already ruled out an attempt at IndyCar. telling reporters last year: "I never had the desire... at least, not the IndyCar race. I do appreciate what they do. It's insane, those drivers... I have a lot of respect for what they do, but for me now that I've been in F1 for so long, I don't need to risk my life or get an injury to my legs or anything. It's not worth it anymore."