Helmut Marko claims Fernando Alonso is the ‘only driver’ capable of matching Max Verstappen

Fernando Alonso has been one of the star performers in the 2023 F1 season.

Helmut Marko claims Fernando Alonso is the ‘only driver’ capable of matching Max Verstappen

Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen (image via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen is now a three-time F1 world champion. The Dutch driver returned to win his third consecutive title after the Qatar GP Sprint. The 26-year-old won the Grand Prix in a dominant fashion the next day as well. On the other hand, Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez failed to impress once again. Now, Red Bull consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has claimed that Fernando Alonso might be the only driver capable of going head-to-head with the Dutchman.

The 80-year-old made it clear that despite Perez having an underwhelming 2023 season, Red Bull has a contract with the Mexican for next year. As such, the Austrian team is willing to work with Checo to ensure that he can get closer to Max Verstappen. Although, Marko pointed out that there are no current alternatives for Sergio Perez. He told Sport1, “Perez has a contract and we want to respect it… Simply, we have no alternatives.”

https://youtu.be/Flv-wViYl4A?si=Tf2J7lODRDE4pNWD

Red Bull said they would be ready to replace Perez if he fails to improve in 2024. The Austrian team has kept its options open with Daniel Ricciardo‘s AlphaTauri seat. Now, Helmut Marko has reckoned that Fernando Alonso seems to be the only driver who has what it takes to go head-to-head with Max Verstappen. Marko stated, “At the moment, I only see one person who could get close to Max, and it’s Fernando Alonso.”

FS Video

Also Read: Aston Martin breaks silence on Lance Stroll shoving his trainer during Qatar GP

Fernando Alonso carrying Aston Martin in 2023

Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the current F1 grid. Yet the 42-year-old has shown no signs of age as he continues to be the lead driver at Aston Martin. The Spanish driver bagged multiple podiums in the first half of the season with the Silverstone-based team. On the other hand, Alonso’s teammate Lance Stroll has yet to clinch a top 3 finish this year.

Fernando Alonso getting out of the AMR23 at the Qatar GP (image via Motorsportweek)
Fernando Alonso getting out of the AMR23 at the Qatar GP (image via Motorsportweek)

The two-time world champion has scored 183 points for the British team this season compared to a mere 47 points collected by Stroll. Undoubtedly, it has been Alonso’s performances that have kept the Silverstone-based team fourth in the standings. Although, McLaren looks set to defeat Aston Martin in the championship in the coming weeks.

Thus Fernando Alonso has delivered some stunning drives this season and has impressed the entire paddock. However, with Aston Martin falling in the pecking order, things have been more difficult for the two-time world champion. Although, it remains to be seen if Alonso can potentially grab another podium before the end of the season.

In case you missed it: