Alonso: Verstappen Needs McLaren's Help for F1 Title, Pressure on Leaders

Fernando Alonso believes Max Verstappen, despite closing the gap in recent races, will need significant help from McLaren to secure a record-equaling fifth consecutive Drivers' Championship. Alonso suggests the pressure is now on the championship leaders, including Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who possess the stronger car.

Why it matters:

After a challenging period, Verstappen's recent resurgence has reignited hopes for a title fight that many had written off. However, Alonso's comments highlight the significant challenge Red Bull faces against a dominant McLaren, suggesting that external factors and potential missteps from the frontrunners will be crucial for Verstappen's championship aspirations. This narrative adds an intriguing layer to the championship battle, shifting the focus to McLaren's consistency under pressure.

The details:

• Verstappen has gained 41 points on Oscar Piastri over the last three races, clawing his way back into contention after previously dismissing his title chances.
• Alonso states that if a driver isn't leading the championship by now, it's likely because "you didn't have the best car." This implies Verstappen, despite his talent, is working with an inferior package compared to McLaren.
• To win the title, Verstappen "needs to wait for something unexpected, or a small miracle," as he has been chasing the leader for 18 races without the best car.
• Alonso explicitly said, "in the remaining six races, there is hope, but you need to have some help from the leaders," referring to those currently ahead in the standings.
• When asked whether he would prefer to be the hunter or the hunted, Alonso unequivocally stated, "I prefer to be leading the championship. If I'm leading the championship with the best car, I will not lose it." This statement subtly increases pressure on Piastri and Norris.

The big picture:

Alonso's assessment aligns with sentiments from Red Bull's chief advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, who also admitted that Verstappen might need McLaren's assistance to win the title. This consensus from experienced F1 figures underscores the current pecking order, where McLaren is perceived to have the strongest car.

• Red Bull's turnaround in performance has come later in the season, making the task of overcoming McLaren's lead even more daunting.
• The championship fight is no longer solely about Verstappen's performance but also about McLaren's ability to maintain their advantage and avoid mistakes in the critical final races.

What's next:

With six races remaining, the focus shifts to how McLaren will handle the pressure of being the hunted. Any reliability issues, strategic missteps, or driver errors from Piastri or Norris could open the door for Verstappen. Conversely, if McLaren can sustain their current form and reliability, Verstappen's "miracle" might not materialize.