Max Verstappen has responded with good humour to Daniel Ricciardo's proposition that the two former Red Bull Racing teammates join forces for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, jokingly commending the Australian as a “smart man” for seeking out one of motorsport's premier benchmark drivers. Verstappen, renowned for his uncompromising competitive drive and sustained front-running form in Formula 1, welcomed the notion without hesitation after Ricciardo floated the concept of assembling an endurance crew alongside the reigning grand prix standard-bearer.
The prospective challenge surfaced during Ricciardo’s appearance on the official Beyond the Grid podcast, where the veteran grand prix winner outlined his desire to contest the historic 24-hour endurance classic. Discussing future professional avenues, Ricciardo highlighted the scenario of establishing a three-driver squad featuring Verstappen and an additional partner. The Australian racer has been evaluating fresh opportunities across motorsport following his departure from single-seaters, prompting curiosity surrounding his ambitions and whether such an elite lineup might captivate global motorsport enthusiasts.
Ricciardo has remained on the sidelines without entering any competitive automobile series since exiting Formula 1 for the second time during 2024, having concluded that campaign behind the wheel for Red Bull’s secondary sister outfit. Contemplating an eventual venture into endurance competition marks an initial milestone as he attempts to revitalize his sporting career after stepping away from grand prix racing. Observers and fans now await further developments to witness whether the proposed driving trio can ultimately materialize on the international stage.
Verstappen continues to operate as a dominant force within Formula 1, yet the Dutch racer appears receptive to tackling Le Mans, recognizing that numerous grand prix competitors have previously ventured into sports car racing to diversify their driving backgrounds. Nevertheless, considerable uncertainty persists regarding precisely when or how the envisioned partnership could take shape. While Verstappen views the prospect favourably, neither driver possesses concrete arrangements, established team infrastructure, or a defined timetable to translate the collaborative vision into frontline reality.
Sources: Verstappen diz que Ricciardo é «inteligente» por o querer em Le Mans.
