Verstappen Struggles to Understand Alonso's 'Madness'
Max Verstappen does not hide his total admiration for Fernando Alonso, a driver who is above all passionate about racing. The four-time world champion believes he deserves more championships and denies any interest in pursuing the Triple Crown.
It could be said that Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso have a lot in common. Both love the sporting aspect of Formula 1, but both struggle to deal with everything that surrounds it. Additionally, in their free time, they always look for ways to drive and compete with a steering wheel in their hands, and as rivals to the great British drivers, they have faced the most dominant press in F1 against them.
All these things unite them quite a bit and have led to a mutual sympathy. And the fact that they are fierce competitors and especially talented has strengthened the respect they have for each other.
“There are also many drivers who have never won in Formula 1, but perhaps they could or should have won”
20 Years Since the First Title
This makes it so that whenever they talk about each other, they are generous in their praise. And this time it was Max Verstappen who did not hold back in pointing out that this month marks 20 years since Fernando Alonso's first world title in Formula 1 (September 25, 2005, in Brazil).
“He is still driving in Formula 1, it’s crazy”, responds Max Verstappen regarding this. “I get along very well with Fernando. I admire him a lot, for example, for how he is as a person, as a racing driver, how he is still so motivated to compete in Formula 1 at his age.”
“But also for what he did before, in endurance racing, he even competed in Dakar, it’s all madness!”
“This simply shows that he is also passionate about racing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Formula 1 car or not.”
Max Verstappen is following in the same footsteps, as he recently competed at Nordschleife in preparation for his future participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. And he won’t stop there, as he plans to imitate Alonso and compete in Le Mans soon.
“Le Mans, yes, but I’m not interested in the Triple Crown”, he points out, likely intimidated by the dangers of American ovals. “I enjoy watching IndyCar races, but I don’t have to do them myself,” he expresses.
Alonso Remains One of the Best
The professional career of Fernando Alonso in Formula 1 is unparalleled in terms of longevity, and it is no coincidence that he is the driver who has participated in the most Grands Prix in history: 417 and counting. However, despite his talent, commitment, and dedication, his achievements do not match those of many other drivers.
“The fact that he hasn’t won in Formula 1 for a long time, that can happen”, laments Verstappen. “There are also many drivers who have never won in Formula 1, but perhaps they could or should have won. Unfortunately, that’s part of it. You don’t always get opportunities.”
“Of course, he had some good years winning the World Championship and you could see his true talent,” continues the Red Bull driver. “But that doesn’t mean he’s no longer fast or that he has lost his rhythm. It’s just that the car doesn’t allow him to win. Even so, it’s very nice that he’s still there. I have a lot of respect for what he does.”
Fernando Alonso will reach his 23rd season in Formula 1 in 2026, as he has a current contract with Aston Martin. However, the future of the Asturian from then on is unclear, and even he himself does not have a specific date in mind to leave the top category and dedicate himself to other disciplines. But he does have one thing clear: when he leaves Formula 1, he will do so performing at a high level to leave a great legacy.
Fuente: Speedweek.com
