Max Verstappen has said he is open to teaming up with former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The four-time Formula 1 world champion responded to Ricciardo’s recent comments about a possible return to competitive racing, specifically in endurance events, during the press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Transform your passion into a work of art. Inspired by racing. Crafted for your wall – STUDIOSBRICKS

Ricciardo, who retired from Formula 1, said on the Beyond the F1 Grid podcast that his future in racing remains uncertain, but that the idea of contesting Le Mans alongside Verstappen is highly appealing. Verstappen replied: “He’s a smart man to choose me in the car, but we’ll have to see. It just depends on a lot of things.” His response showed cautious enthusiasm and highlighted the commitment such a project would require.

Verstappen says he has no time to prepare properly

Verstappen stressed the importance of thorough preparation for endurance racing: “For me, if I want to do it, I want to do it properly with really good prep, and at the moment I cannot do that. I don’t have the free time to dedicate to a Le Mans project with all the other things that I’m also doing outside of Formula 1.” This shows the Dutchman’s respect for the discipline and the constraints of his F1 commitments and other obligations.

Friendship and the right timing

The relationship between Verstappen and Ricciardo remains strong despite their separate career paths. The Dutch driver was not surprised by Ricciardo’s hint at a racing comeback: “This is not new to me, of course. I think it’s either from my side or his. I don’t think we are the types that always need to share everything. We talk about a lot of things in the background.” This suggests ongoing mutual respect and communication behind the scenes.

Asked about Ricciardo returning to full-time Formula 1 racing, Verstappen dismissed the idea, referring to Ricciardo’s own admission: “I think he said it himself. He doesn’t see himself coming back for a whole race season. But Le Mans can interest him. Why not?” Verstappen added that serious preparation would be necessary, saying: “If we do something like that, he will for sure agree that it needs to be proper. It needs to be for a chance to win. For a chance to win against people that do it for whole season. You need to be prepared really well. You just need to find the right timing.”

A Verstappen and Ricciardo line-up at Le Mans would blend F1 pedigree with the challenge of endurance racing. Whether the reunion happens remains uncertain, but the dialogue between the two drivers keeps the motorsport world talking. Earlier, Verstappen confirmed Le Mans talks with Ricciardo and Vettel.