Max Verstappen recently revealed his dream four-driver team for the iconic Le Mans 24-hour race, and his choices have raised eyebrows by excluding some big names. The Dutchman, who is known for his sharp racing instincts, opted for a team without certain high-profile competitors.
The Le Mans 24-hour race is one of the most prestigious events in motorsport, alongside the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, forming the famed ‘triple crown’ of motorsport. A victory at Le Mans cements drivers into racing legend, making Verstappen’s selections all the more intriguing as fans speculate on his reasoning for the notable exclusions.
Given the grueling 24-hour duration of the Le Mans race, it’s no surprise that teams require multiple drivers to share the workload. Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen recently unveiled his ideal teammates for the legendary race, and his picks have sparked plenty of discussion. As the Dutch driver aims for success at the prestigious French circuit, fans are eager to see who he trusts to join him in this ultimate test of endurance, skill, and strategy.
Alongside himself, Max Verstappen made the unexpected choice of fellow Dutch driver **Nyck de Vries**, who was dismissed mid-season by Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri, in 2023 due to underwhelming performances.
Despite this, Verstappen had a convincing rationale for his selection, pointing out De Vries’ accomplishments as a former Formula E world champion and his proven ability in endurance racing. Verstappen’s decision shows his belief in De Vries’ talent beyond his short-lived F1 career, valuing his experience and skills for the demanding Le Mans 24-hour race.
Speaking on **Jarno Opmeer’s YouTube channel**, Max Verstappen explained his reasoning behind choosing **Nyck de Vries**: “He’s fast, and he’s very light, which when you’re going around Le Mans is great.” Verstappen then turned to another familiar name, opting for fellow F1 World Champion **Fernando Alonso**, who has already taken part in the **Indy 500** but has yet to make the podium. Verstappen shared, “I keep joking with Fernando because we want to do it together, so that would be quite cool.”
For his final choice, Verstappen completed his team with an experienced hand—his father, Jos Verstappen, adding a personal and strategic element to the dream lineup. This mix of speed, experience, and personal connection highlights Verstappen’s unique approach to tackling the legendary Le Mans 24-hour race.
Max Verstappen added a lighthearted touch to his dream team by including his father, **Jos Verstappen**, saying, “I keep telling my Dad, we have to do it, but he doesn’t want to. I would still add him in as a fourth,” he joked. Despite his father’s reluctance, Max’s choice shows his admiration for Jos, who competed in **Formula 1** from 1994 to 2003, securing two podium finishes in 107 race entries.
Jos’s experience and knowledge of racing add an extra layer of depth to the lineup, complementing the skills of Max, Nyck de Vries, and Fernando Alonso. It’s a fitting tribute to his father’s racing career and a nod to their shared passion for motorsport.
Verstappen’s choices for his Le Mans dream team notably exclude his former championship rival, Lewis Hamilton. Despite Hamilton’s impressive track record and dominance in nearly every aspect of Formula 1, Verstappen opted for other drivers. This decision highlights Verstappen’s unique preferences and strategy, valuing different qualities and experiences over Hamilton’s well-established credentials.
Given their recent competitive history and occasional clashes on the track, it’s not surprising that Verstappen might have chosen to exclude Lewis Hamilton from his dream team. The rivalry between the two drivers has been intense, and such dynamics could potentially impact team cohesion and strategy. Verstappen’s selection of teammates instead reflects a preference for synergy and a focus on specific attributes that align with his goals for the Le Mans 24-hour race.
The absence of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, currently one of the most in-form F1 drivers, from Verstappen’s Le Mans dream team is also understandable. Like Hamilton, Leclerc and Verstappen have a well-documented rivalry that dates back to their karting days, marked by competitive clashes and on-track incidents. This intense rivalry might influence Verstappen’s decision, as maintaining team harmony and focusing on a cohesive strategy could be more challenging with a driver who has been a direct competitor. The choices reflect Verstappen’s strategic considerations and the dynamics of past rivalries in shaping his ideal team lineup.