Montoya: Alonso 'Tougher' Than Verstappen, Could Fight for Title in Competitive Car

Juan Pablo Montoya believes Fernando Alonso possesses a mental toughness that could see him challenge Max Verstappen for a Formula 1 title, provided he has a competitive car. The former Williams driver suggests that while Verstappen currently holds a mental edge due to his ongoing success, Alonso's fierce determination would be unleashed in a genuine championship fight.

Why it matters:

Fernando Alonso's continued presence and performance at the highest level of F1, even in his 40s, is a testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit. Montoya's comments highlight the intriguing prospect of a direct championship duel between two of the sport's most formidable drivers, potentially offering a different dynamic than Verstappen's current dominance.

The Details:

• Montoya's Take: On the MontoyAS podcast, Juan Pablo Montoya stated, "If Fernando ends up with a better car than Max, you could flip the question and ask whether Max has the experience to handle someone like Alonso."
• Mental Fortitude: Montoya acknowledged Verstappen's current mental strength but emphasized that Alonso, when given a "real chance at the championship," would "fight tooth and nail."
• Colombian Idiom: He added, "As they say in Colombia, Fernando is tougher than Max and just about everyone else. Yes — as people put it, if it comes down to breaking things, Fernando won’t hesitate."
• Retirement Speculation: Montoya believes Alonso's future in F1 largely depends on the competitiveness of the 2026 Aston Martin car, which will be the first designed under Adrian Newey's influence. He suggests Alonso might stay for another "year or two" if he sees the team progressing in the right direction.
• Alonso's Praise for Verstappen: Alonso himself has frequently lauded Verstappen's "incredible" driving qualities, acknowledging his ability to win even when not in the superior car, citing the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as an example.

Between the lines:

Montoya's perspective isn't just about raw speed but about the psychological warfare inherent in a championship battle. He implies that while Verstappen is currently unassailable, a sustained challenge from a driver of Alonso's caliber, particularly one with nothing to lose, could test the reigning champion in new ways. Alonso's long career and multiple championship experiences provide a depth of competitive cunning that few, if any, on the current grid can match.

What's next:

The 2026 regulations and the impact of Adrian Newey joining Aston Martin will be critical in determining if Alonso gets the car he needs to test Montoya's hypothesis. If Aston Martin can deliver a genuine contender, the prospect of an Alonso vs. Verstappen title fight would be a dream scenario for many F1 fans.