Verstappen opts for surprise pick as team-mate

Max Verstappen has shared who he would choose to partner him if he were create his own driver line up for the Le Mans 24 hours.

The Dutchman, whilst being interviewed by Jarno Opmeer on the Red Bull Esports driver's YouTube channel, was asked to select four drivers to hypothetically form a team with for the legendary race.

Immediately, the 26-year-old zeroed in on former F1 driver Nyck de Vries, who competed in 11 grand prix for Williams and AlphaTauri in 2022 and 2023 before being sidelined for current RB driver Daniel Ricciardo.

In addition to winning the 2021 Formula E drivers' crown, De Vries has extensive endurance racing experience, having completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Toyota in the hypercar class earlier this season.

The Dutchman has also raced in the famed event for several LMP2 teams and was chosen by his compatriot on account of his speed and weight.

"One [driver] I would like to definitely have in the team is Nyck de Vries. He's fast and he's very light," Verstappen told Opmeer.

"For the moment, when you're very fast and very light around Le Mans, of course, is great."

Next, the three-time F1 drivers' champion went for one of his current peers, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.

"I keep joking with Fernando [Alonso] that we want to do it together, so that would be quite cool," the 61-time grand prix winner explained, before highlighting with him included, they already had the required number to form his fantasy team: "So we've got three drivers already."

The Spaniard has already won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, also with Toyota, and would provide further experience to the super team, but as per the question, Verstappen threw another driver into the mix, his father.

Jos Verstappen, who raced in F1 during the 1990s and early 2000s, like De Vries and Alonso, has ample endurance experience to draw upon.

"I keep telling my dad we have to do it," the younger Verstappen said. "He doesn't want to do it, but I would add him in as a fourth. It would be a fun week, that's for sure."