Fernando Alonso has backed Max Verstappen to become Formula 1 World Champion in 2025 should the title battle go down to the last race in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen is in imperious form, landing his third win in four races at the United States Grand Prix to close the gap to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to 40 points.
With only five races remaining, F1 is heading for a grandstand finish, and two-time champion Alonso has become the first driver to publicly back Verstappen.
Aware of the determination, grit and ruthlessness required, Alonso spoke about the Dutchman’s prowess and talents, widely regarded as the best of his generation.
Confirming to media, including Motorsport Week, his admiration for Verstappen, Alonso outlined how Verstappen has become synonymous with success.
“Well, I think he’s a four-time World Champion, first of all,” he said. “That’s not a casual thing. He’s one of the best drivers in the history of the sport.
“I think he’s able to extract the maximum from the car. When the car is a dominant car, he can win the championship and break some records along the season.
“And when the car is not that good or not the fastest, he still provides the good lap in qualifying, or the good race, the good fight.”
Alonso backs Verstappen in last-race decider
Alonso’s most substantial vote of confidence came from the titanic 2021 season, where Verstappen dethroned Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
Neither Piastri nor team-mate Lando Norris have fought in a tight title battle, with the Spaniard hinting this could play a part in settling the duel.
“He’s at a very good level, very high level. And, yeah, this year he’s obviously fighting against a superior car, which is the McLaren,” he added.
“But, yeah, if it comes to the last race or whatever and they are tight on points, maybe in that moment he becomes the man to follow.
“As I said before, I think the two McLarens have enough advantage on the car to fight between them.
“But, yeah, with Max, that can happen, as we saw in 2021 when the car was a little bit less performing than the Mercedes. He still won the championship in Abu Dhabi.”
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