Max Verstappen claims he almost ‘went off the track’ while watching Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez’s battle for third

The P3 battle between Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso was captivating.

Max Verstappen claims he almost ‘went off the track’ while watching Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez’s battle for third

Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Dutch driver Max Verstappen has now won 16 races out of the 19 held so far in 2023. The reigning world champion has also broken Alberto Ascari‘s win percentage record this season by having a win percentage of 77%. But the P1 finish for Verstappen wasn’t the only enthralling moment at the Brazilian GP.

The cut-throat competition between Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso for the third spot in the race was very enthralling. Alonso finished just 0.053s ahead of Perez and claimed the third spot in the Sunday race. After the race, the race winner commented that even he was excited about seeing the battle.

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In a post-race interview, Verstappen was quizzed on his opinions about the competition between the two veterans for the third spot. The Dutchman added that he was watching the race in the last few laps and almost drove off the track in an attempt to see the fight on the big screens.

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The last few laps I was watching - I almost drove off the track myself when I saw them fighting on the straight. At Turn 4 I almost drove straight off the track because I was watching the screens so much.
Verstappen told ViaPlay

The battle between the two drivers dragged on for a couple of last laps and on this, Verstappen commented that the spots were constantly changing in the last few laps. 

It was very close together, but those last two laps they were also constantly changing.

Subsequently, the race winner admitted that the battle was ‘very nice’.

Both drivers hugged each other after the race as a sign of respect

The fourth finisher Sergio Perez also showered the Spaniard Fernando Alonso with praises for the fair fighting and racing action. Checo claimed that Alonso raced very closely and fairly and did not try to pull any sneaky tricks to sabotage the race.

Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso hugging
Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso hugged each other after the race. (via X, @GF1MX).

The two veterans were seen hugging it out after the race for the amazing display of sportsmanship in the race. The two drivers appreciated the racing action and held a great sense of respect for the race outcome. Subsequently, Alonso claimed that this podium was much needed for the team.

Finally, Max Verstappen has dominated the entire season by a far-shot. Other teams and drivers could not come close to replicating the performance that the dominant Red Bull and Verstappen have shared this season. With just two more races remaining on the calendar, Sergio Perez must hold onto the P2 spot in the championship standings.

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