Robin Frijns believes that Max Verstappen, given his skills, could effortlessly participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, being the fastest right off the bat is a different story. Frijns, who is competing in this weekend’s classic race, shares his thoughts below.
Le Mans: A Unique Spectacle
“There are so many extraordinary motorsport events, but few are as unique as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I’m not alone in this opinion; many drivers and fans share this sentiment. It’s a fantastic spectacle, a race that stands apart from all others, with its own unique history. For all these reasons, I understand why Max Verstappen often talks about it and expresses his desire to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans someday.
Verstappen’s Potential in Le Mans
I can definitely see him doing it. Perhaps not right now, while he’s still racing in Formula 1, but he could certainly do it. It’s not easy, quite the contrary. It’s completely different from racing in Formula 1. But Max is such a skilled driver, I’m convinced he could just step in and compete in Le Mans.
Speed: The Ultimate Question
Being the fastest is the question. But his sim racing, which he also does in this area, would certainly help. And let’s admit it, Max Verstappen at Le Mans would be fantastic. Who wouldn’t want to see that? I’d certainly welcome him. And although we don’t talk often, I think we’d make a good team. So if he’s looking for a teammate…
Excitement for the Upcoming Race with the Hypercar Team
Speaking of teams, I am excited to participate in this edition with my current team, which is in the Hypercar with BMW. It’s a fantastic prospect. We are not immediately the favorites for the win, as Ferrari and Toyota’s cars are very fast. However, this season in the Hypercar in the WEC is incredibly exciting. And at Le Mans, there could be as many as eighteen cars that could win. Especially since you never know what will happen in those 24 hours, in light and darkness.
The Key to Success: No Problems, No Mistakes, Good Speed, and Some Luck
Avoiding problems, making no mistakes, maintaining good speed, and having some luck. That’s how you get far, and for us, a top-six finish should be achievable. And who knows, maybe even more, like in 2021. It was my first participation and I was a novice. To win immediately, then in the LMP2, was fantastic. I know there are plenty of drivers who try for years and don’t succeed. And I won right at my debut. That’s something you remember.
It was also an edition that proved how exciting it can be until the last moment. We were ahead, had everything under control, and in the final phase, we still had problems due to a cracked diffuser. With a seventeen-second lead, we were just able to stay ahead of the car behind us, so we won narrowly.
The Unique Experience of Le Mans
No matter where you end up, the experience of Le Mans is always beautiful. Inside the car, you can smell the aroma of the BBQ that the spectators along the track are massively setting up, which is amazing. You hear it from other drivers too. And racing at night is of course special, in every 24-hour race. And because I have good eyes, I often get the short end of the stick, haha: then I get to do the night sessions.
That creates a unique feeling: because you see less, you have the impression that you are going much faster than is actually the case. But where you see everything in daylight, reference points and for example a viaduct further on, you only see such things at the last moment in the dark and everything flashes by very quickly.
So, Le Mans is special. Undoubtedly, it will be again this year.
