Fernando Alonso has admitted that Max Verstappen’s current exploits remind him of the title challenge he mounted in Formula 1 with the “fourth fastest car” in 2012.
Verstappen lived up to his status as an all-time great at the Japanese Grand Prix as he delivered a heroic weekend to beat the two McLarens in an unfancied Red Bull.
The Dutchman’s astonishing win has placed him a single point behind Lando Norris, despite Red Bull harbouring an evident pace disadvantage compared to McLaren.
With overtaking challenging at Suzuka, track position became even more imperative and Verstappen utilised that advantage to head home the pursuing McLaren duo.
Alonso, who vowed Verstappen was the one driver who could’ve executed the lap that landed pole position, sees similarities between the current campaign and 2012.
That particular season saw the Spaniard take the title battle to the death with a lacklustre Ferrari F2012 that didn’t possess the peak potential that its rivals’ cars held.
“I’ve been there. I’ve been fighting for World Championships with the third, fourth fastest car,” Alonso told media including Motorsport Week.
“So, you know, at the end it’s difficult. As it was difficult for me to beat [Sebastian] Vettel.
“So I hope for him he can fight until the end. But they [Red Bull] need to improve a little bit the machine.”
Is the challenge awaiting Verstappen underestimated?
Alonso has drawn upon his own previous experience to vow that it is underappreciated how hard it is to remain in championship contention without the best package.
“Well, he won four, so he can fight with a little bit less competitive car. But, yeah, it’s hard,” the current Aston Martin driver expressed.
“And I think the people don’t realise how difficult it is. And how you need to make perfect every weekend. And he’s doing [it] so far.
“And as I said, it reminds me of my 2012 in a way. When the car was not so good and we fought for the championship.
“But to win it at the end, let’s see. I hope for him he can win it.”
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