Alonso HAILS “Best Driver” on the Grid

By Joe Murphy

Two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso has been an admirer of Verstappen and shown support for the Dutchman during his title battles in the last five seasons.

Alonso sees similarities this season to 2012 when he took the title race to the last round of the season, despite having what many felt was a much slower car in the Ferrari, compared to eventual champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull.

“So far he [Verstappen] is doing well and keeping the championship alive. He needs to improve the car a little bit to be really able to fight for the championship long-term,” he told Sky Sports F1.

“It reminds me a bit of 2012 when you fight with the third or fourth fastest car until the last race and eventually Vettel won the championship. I’m afraid it will happen again with Max. But if anyone can do it, he can do it.”

Alonso was particularly left in awe after Verstappen snatched pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix and sees him is the clear best driver in F1.

“He’s an outstanding driver and he’s proving it every weekend. The lap he did was down to him,” he said.

“The car is clearly not at the level to fight for pole, or even top five, but he manages to do those magical laps and magical weekends.

“So at the moment he’s the best, he’s the reference for all of us, and we need to keep improving to reach that level.”