Max Verstappen names Fernando Alonso as a ‘good role model’ in F1
The World Champion shares a great bond with the veteran Fernando Alonso.
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Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso (Via IMAGO)
The 2023 season has witnessed Max Verstappen‘s impressive dominance alongside the return of Fernando Alonso to the front after a decade of mediocre results. He has been among the best drivers since the start of the season, and despite Aston Martin being out-developed by its close rivals, he is still consistently scoring points. Now, the reigning champion Verstappen has come forth to express his thoughts on the veteran driver’s legacy and the fighting sprint he has shown over the years.
Verstappen admitted that he admires Alonso for his work ethic and competitiveness, even at 42, making him the oldest racer on the grid. He said, as reported by GPFans en Españo, “I admire Fernando Alonso. At 42 years old, he is still very competitive.” The champion also calls the veteran a ‘good role model’ and says, “He is a good role model; we can talk about everything in a natural and relaxed way.”
The champion also stated that Alonso, as a person, is very nice to him, and he also added that the ex-champion does not boast about his success: “As a person, he is very nice to me. He doesn’t boast about his titles”. Commenting on Alonso’s character, Verstappen added that Alonso doesn’t put himself over others and claims he is down to earth. The Dutchman said, “He doesn’t put himself above others; he remains himself.“
Fernando Alonso reciprocates the generosity of Max Verstappen
Both champions bear a resemblance to one another. F1 fans once villainized both racers due to their dominant performances. Alonso also stated that both racers belong to a small country with little F1 culture. Alonso feels that Verstappen is his natural successor, and Alonso has no problem with this.
Alonso has been in the sport for a long time. He has raced alongside greats like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. When he was asked about Verstappen equaling the performance of Schumacher, Alonso added that Verstappen will keep adding championships and, in a few years, Verstappen will surely be comparable to the once-greatest-of-all-time Schumacher.
Although the dominant RB-19 significantly helped Verstappen achieve this great feat, Alonso recognizes that this doesn’t detract from Verstappen’s dominance. Alonso added that Verstappen made minimal mistakes this season and delivered results every Sunday. This deserved big respect, according to the veteran.
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Justin P Joy
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