Driver Fernando Alonso, in the final phase of his career in Formula 1, revealed that he is considering participating in other forms of motorsport in the future. The 44-year-old Spaniard indicated his desire to compete again in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of motorsport’s most iconic endurance races, and suggested that a possible collaboration with Max Verstappen could make that idea even more attractive.
Previous experiences at Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship
Alonso, who has already won two world titles in F1, is also the World Endurance Champion (WEC) in the 2018-19 season, driving for the Toyota Gazoo Racing team. The two-time champion participated in the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Le Mans stage, emerging victorious on both occasions alongside his teammates Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, both with experience in Formula 1. His victories highlight a remarkable ability to adapt to different disciplines, a rare feat in elite motorsport.
Other challenges and the coveted Triple Crown
In addition to the Le Mans tracks, the Spanish driver expressed interest in venturing into rallying and ruled out participating in Formula Indy. Another great ambition of Alonso is the Triple Crown of motorsport, which requires victories in the Monaco GP, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500. He already has the first two titles under his belt and would seek the third in the legendary American race.
In his statements, the athlete emphasized the search for new challenges. “I would like to do the Dakar (rally), I would like to win the Dakar one day. The challenge itself is what attracts me. The triple crown is also very attractive, but so is the Dakar, because if you can win in Formula 1, in long-distance races and in the rally, it would also be something with very few precedents”, explained Alonso. He added, “Hypercars too, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a really beautiful experience for me. Maybe one day I’ll do it again, especially if it’s with Verstappen.”
The rarity of the Triple Crown and other historical achievements
Historically, only one driver has achieved the Triple Crown feat in motorsport: the British Graham Hill, also two-time Formula 1 champion. Recently, Lando Norris, current champion, also expressed his desire to try to achieve this feat. Winning the Triple Crown or success in multiple categories demonstrates a versatility and adaptability that transcends excellence in a single discipline, solidifying a lasting legacy in motorsport.
Alonso could find inspiration in the career of Belgian Jacky Ickx, runner-up in Formula 1 in 1969 and 1970. Ickx achieved six victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, two titles in the World Endurance Championship and even triumphed in the Dakar Rally in 1983, showing the breadth of talent possible in the sport.
Currently, Alonso faces a challenging period with Aston Martin in Formula 1, where the team has performed below expectations this season, adding just one point achieved by the Spaniard himself at the Monaco GP. The expectation is that the veteran will announce his future in the category during the mid-season break.