Max Verstappen names SHOCK F1 star as preferred Le Mans team-mate

Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Imola, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

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Verstappen names SHOCK F1 star as preferred team-mate

Verstappen has named the F1 star he would like to race alongside in a rival motorsport series

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 16 June 2024 19:00

Max Verstappen has confirmed which current F1 driver he would like to partner if he was to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

His Formula 1 team-mate will remain the same for at least another year after Red Bull announced they were retaining Sergio Perez before the Canadian Grand Prix.

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The Mexican signed a two-year contract extension which will take him up to the next regulation changes with the team.

However, Perez has endured a disappointing run of form in recent races making two consecutive Q1 exits and grand prix DNFs.

Sergio Perez has failed to finish the last two races

Sergio Perez will continue with Red Bull until 2026

Verstappen reveals ideal Le Mans team-mate

“I get on really well with Checo. I think also for the whole team, that was definitely the best thing to do,” the Dutchman said following the announcement.

Whilst Perez may be Verstappen’s top choice as an F1 team-mate, the champion revealed he wishes for Yuki Tsunoda to accompany him if he enters the World Endurance Championship.

Verstappen revealed in an interview with Autosport that teams from the series had contacted him to compete at Le Mans 24 Hours.

"It's too early for me to enter because of the new regulations as well, I think they need to sort out the BOP a little bit better between the cars,” he said.

Verstappen names Tsunoda as ideal Le Mans team-mate

"It's a bit hit-and-miss here and there, I find. Plus, for me, also the driver weight, I feel like there needs to be a limit on that, because I might rock up at 80 kilos with kit, but there is also a driver that can be 55 or 60.

"When you go to Le Mans, you have no chance - that already is a couple of tenths a lap. It's pretty incredible, the difference.

"So they need to sort that out. There needs to be an average or minimum weight that you need to comply to.”

The champion jokingly revealed how he would solve these issues with Le Mans.

“Yuki, I need you as my team-mate. You’re so light you’ll be flying,” he added.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Sergio Perez Yuki Tsunoda 24 Hours of Le Mans World Endurance Championship