Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has expressed his admiration for Fernando Alonso and his desire to see Alonso win a race this year if he cannot win another. Verstappen’s team has won all seven races so far, raising the possibility of a clean sweep.

Verstappen holds Alonso in high regard, describing him as a true racer who deserves success. Alonso, a two-time champion, last won a race in 2013 for Ferrari. After a few uncompetitive years, he returned to Formula 1 with Alpine in 2021 and now races for Aston Martin in 2023. Currently ranked third in the championship, Alonso has been consistently competitive, achieving podium finishes in almost all races this year.

Verstappen appreciates Alonso’s resilience and passion for the sport, despite facing challenges in midfield cars. He refers to Alonso as a true racer and holds him in high esteem.

Alonso is optimistic about Aston Martin’s performance in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. After a disappointing race in Spain, Alonso looks forward to a stronger showing in Canada, particularly if the weather conditions are favorable.

Verstappen enters the race as the favorite to win, which would be his 41st career victory, tying him with Ayrton Senna. He acknowledges that each driver’s career follows a unique trajectory, making comparisons difficult. Verstappen remains focused on his own journey and appreciates the opportunities he has been given.

While Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 may not engage all viewers, he understands the importance of competition in the sport. He hopes for increased competitiveness among teams, as witnessed in previous eras dominated by Mercedes and Ferrari. Verstappen acknowledges the hard work of rival teams and emphasizes the need to push harder and catch up, rather than requesting others to stop their success.

As fans anticipate the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s admiration for Alonso reflects the spirit of competition and the desire for a more evenly contested championship.

Leon Osamor