Fernando Alonso Praises Max Verstappen, Predicts F1 Title

Fernando Alonso, a two-time F1 champion, has offered high praise for Max Verstappen, backing the Red Bull driver to emerge victorious in a head-to-head title fight against the McLaren drivers, despite McLaren's current dominance. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is attempting to overcome a 40-point deficit to championship leader Oscar Piastri with five rounds remaining, showcasing a recent resurgence.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's pursuit of a fifth consecutive F1 title, despite facing a superior McLaren, highlights his exceptional driving prowess and ability to extract maximum performance from his car. A potential championship win this season would further cement his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats and underscore his reputation for delivering under pressure, even when not in the fastest machinery.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Resurgence: After a challenging start to the season trailing the McLarens, Verstappen has secured three wins in the last four races. This recent upturn in form has made him an outside contender for the title, significantly narrowing the gap to McLaren's Oscar Piastri.
• Alonso's Acclaim: Fernando Alonso emphasized Verstappen's status as a 'four-time world champion' calling it 'not a casual thing' and hailing him as 'one of the best drivers in the history of the sport.'
• Versatility Praised: Alonso highlighted Verstappen's ability to 'extract the maximum from the car,' whether it's a dominant machine capable of breaking records or a less competitive one where he still 'provides the good lap in qualifying, or the good race, the good fight.'
• Championship Scenario: Despite McLaren's strong performance, Alonso believes that if Verstappen can close the points gap to Piastri and Norris by the final race in Abu Dhabi, he would be 'the man to follow' and could ultimately win the championship.
• 2021 Parallel: Alonso drew a parallel to the 2021 season, where Verstappen won the title against Mercedes even when his Red Bull car was 'a little bit less performing.' This historical context reinforces Alonso's belief in Verstappen's ability to triumph against the odds.

The Big Picture:

McLaren has been the dominant force this season, already securing the constructors' championship. However, Verstappen's recent performances suggest a shift in momentum. His ability to consistently deliver strong results, even when his car isn't the fastest, indicates a significant challenge for McLaren in the remaining races. The dynamic between Verstappen's individual brilliance and McLaren's team strength sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the F1 season.

What's next:

With five rounds left, the championship battle is heating up. Verstappen's continued strong performances will be crucial in closing the 40-point gap to Piastri. The upcoming races will test both Verstappen's consistency and McLaren's ability to maintain their advantage under increasing pressure. If the championship goes down to the wire, as Alonso suggests, it could lead to another memorable F1 finale.