Ex-F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi claims Fernando Alonso can match Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Fernando Alonso has impressed many in the 2023 season, taking 4th place in the Drivers' Championship with eight podiums.

Ex-F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi claims Fernando Alonso can match Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Fernando Alonso has been a staple of the Formula One grid apart from a two-year break for a long time, in a career spanning twenty years. The Asturian driver is a two-time World Champion and a 32-time race winner with the most starts in history. Alonso made a comeback from a career dip in 2023, his prowess shining with eight podiums in the 2023 season, with a 4th place in the Drivers’ Championship.

Alonso moved to Aston Martin in 2023, leaving Alpine after two years with the French team. Outmatching his teammate Lance Stroll through the whole season, Alonso showed supreme skill and talent even at the age of 42. Two-time F1 Champ Emerson Fittipaldi commended Alonso’s performance with the team. The Brazilian F1 veteran claimed that the Spaniard would match reigning World Champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull given the same car.

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He’s very fast, but surely if you put Alonso in a Red Bull, he’s going to be fast just the same.
Emerson Fittipaldi told f1oversteer.com

Alonso is known for outperforming the machinery given to him, most notably with Ferrari in 2012 where he nearly won the World Championship. The Aston Martin driver will be looking for more car development in 2024, after being unable to take victory even once in the 2023 season.

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Aston Martin extremely eager to re-sign Fernando Alonso

Aston Martin found their wildest dreams come true with Fernando Alonso, as they signed the Spaniard for the 2023 campaign. Alonso was leaving Alpine due to their unwillingness to offer him a multi-year contract. The move turned out to be perfect for both Aston Martin and Alonso, as the team scored eight podiums with him, ensuring they kept fifth place in the Constructors’ Standings.

Fernando Alonso on the podium at Zandvoort
Fernando Alonso on the podium at Zandvoort (via IMAGO)

Alonso managed fourth in the Drivers’ Championship himself, which meant he was officially competing at the top. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack said that the Silverstone-based team was extremely keen to keep the two-time champion on for further years, which would aid the team a lot.

As a team, we were blown away [by Alonso] from the first day – until today actually. To be honest with you, I always thought it was a bit honeymoon months in the beginning but I’m quite happy that we have managed to extend the honeymoon.
Mike Krack on Aston Martin’s experience with Fernando Alonso, via racingnews365

Fernando Alonso has been linked to some rumours of moves, though. With Ferrari and Red Bull seats opening up next year, Alonso will get the opportunity to negotiate for one of the more experienced teams higher up in the order, potentially giving him a chance for a 33rd race win or even a world title bid.

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