Ferrari reportedly held ‘discussions’ with Fernando Alonso for Le Mans 2023

Ferrari reportedly held ‘discussions’ with Fernando Alonso for Le Mans 2023

Fernando Alonso may return to Le Mans next year.

There are two big Motorsport events this weekend. There’s the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, on right now, and then there are the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Not only is it the oldest active endurance race event, but likely the most prestigious as well. The event, along with the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500.

In recent events, drivers who had been in Formula 1 in the past have been successful. Nico Hulkenberg won it driving for Porsche in 2015. Brendon Hartley has won it twice in the last 5 years, once for Porsche and another time for Toyota. Kamui Kobayashi, who once drove for Toyota & Sauber in Formula 1, won the event last year. Alonso won the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship, as well.

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On the current grid, Fernando Alonso won it twice in a row in 2018 and 2019, driving for Toyota, and he was joined by former Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima who won the event an additional time in 2020. Alonso has already said that he would wish to return and participate in the event, and he might get his wish soon, with Ferrari, of all teams.

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Ferrari return to Le Mans for 2023

Ferrari 250 LM
The Ferrari 250 LM, the last Ferrari car to win at Le Mans.

Ferrari are the third most successful team in the history of Le Mans, surpassed only by Porsche and Audi. However, the last time they had won the race was in the 1960s. With the 100th anniversary of the first event approaching next year, Ferrari will be returning to the event. This marks the 50th anniversary of their last participation in the event. Fernando Alonso has a history at Ferrari. He drove for them between 2010 and 2014, finishing second in the championship 3 times.

According to Spanish newspaper 20minutos, Fernando Alonso and Ferrari have already had informal talks between them for next year’s event. Fernando Alonso’s contract at Alpine expires at the end of this year. With the rise of Oscar Piastri, Alpine would want the Australian in Formula 1 soon, either in an Alpine or in any other car on loan.

Towards this end, there are rumors that Alpine and Williams are in discussions over Oscar Piastri driving for the British team next season, replacing Nicholas Latifi. This will work out for Alpine if Fernando Alonso decides to stay in Formula 1 with them. But if Fernando Alonso leaves Formula 1 next season – it is possible that he may return to Le Mans, and to the team he had once driven for in Formula 1.

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