If there’s one thing Fernando Alonso has always made clear about his future, it’s that he would like to return to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Spanish driver swept the two editions he competed in with Toyota, and he enjoyed it so much that he vowed to come back. In 2027, he will have an exceptional opportunity to do so.
Next year there will be no clashes between Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new calendar has listened to the drivers and left several key gaps open. According to RacingNews365, Alonso is already studying a return to Le Mans in 2027. The best part is that he isn’t the only Formula 1 driver pursuing this path.
Verstappen and Norris also flirt with Le Mans
The successes of Fernando Alonso at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are already starting to feel distant. The Spanish driver won the 2018 and 2019 editions, achieving Toyota’s first two victories in the world’s most iconic race. Since then, Alonso has not returned to Le Mans, but 2027 could change that momentum. The Asturian is taking it very seriously.
The key is that there is no clash with the Formula 1 calendar. The 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours will be held from June 9 to 13, a weekend that Formula 1 has left free, nestled between the Monaco and Portugal Grands Prix. The second condition also holds: Aston Martin competes in endurance racing.
So, according to RacingNews365, Alonso has signed up for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. Whether he continues in Formula 1, something that has not yet been announced, remains to be seen. Alonso would be willing to jump into the Aston Martin Valkyrie to participate in the world’s most iconic race. And it seems he won’t be the only Formula 1 driver to do so.
Rumors also point to Max Verstappen weighing it up. In fact, for years there has been speculation that the Dutchman and Alonso would like to race together, and given the strong historical ties between Red Bull and Aston Martin, they could do it in the Valkyrie. Verstappen has weighed heavily on the calendar of the new Formula 1.
It’s not just that the 24 Hours of Le Mans doesn’t clash with Formula 1. Neither do other iconic races favored by Verstappen, such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring or the 24 Hours of Spa. In fact, Verstappen explicitly requested to be able to race in the latter. The Indy 500 is also free of clashes. Formula 1 opens the paddock gate to its drivers.
Indeed, Lando Norris is the third to sniff out the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In his case, he has even undergone a test with the new McLaren that will debut in the WEC next season. It took place in Portimão last week. Remember that Norris already participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona in his youth, precisely alongside Alonso. Restlessness is evident.
Images | Aston Martin
