Fernando Alonso is wrong about ‘top level’ Max Verstappen as McLaren set to end run of dominance in 2025

Max Verstappen has been the one to beat in Formula 1 over the last few years. The Dutchman has been utterly dominant with Red Bull in the ground effect era.

Helmut Marko knew Verstappen was ‘far ahead’ in his development when he first spoke to him as a teenager. The Red Bull chief advisor saw his potential to be a world-class driver; he would go on to show a lot more than that.

Making the step up to Red Bull from Toro Rosso after four races in 2016, Verstappen has won four world championships between 2021 and 2024. The 27-year-old is already the third winningest driver of all time, collecting 65 victories and 116 podiums.

Eric Boullier thinks Verstappen is a ‘GOAT’ candidate, despite recently surpassing just the 200-Grand Prix mark. It highlights just how impressive the Dutchman has been, as he seeks to match Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive titles in 2025.

Verstappen faced competition from McLaren in 2024 as the Woking outfit surpassed Red Bull in development in the second half of the season. The Dutchman managed to hold on for a fourth title, but 2025 is set to be a different story.

Fernando Alonso is wrong about Max Verstappen having his ‘best season’ every year with McLaren set to dethrone him

The RB21 has proven to be a difficult car to drive this season. Verstappen has taken it to two wins at Suzuka and Imola, but the narrow, fast-flowing nature of the circuit and the lack of overtaking opportunities negated the strength of the McLaren.

The MCL39 is far superior to the field, with Oscar Piastri leading the championship over Lando Norris by 10 points. With seven wins between them, McLaren are already 197 points ahead in the constructors’ championship, with Verstappen 49 points behind Piastri in third.

But that has not stopped Fernando Alonso from talking up Verstappen in 2025. Speaking via DAZN, the Aston Martin driver claimed that the Dutchman ‘always’ has his best season ‘every year’.

“I don’t think much has changed this season compared to others. I think Verstappen has always had his best season to date every year,” he said.

“In 2021, he snatched the championship from Lewis Hamilton and then he has dominated for several years in a row. Last year he didn’t have the most dominant car and won the championship with several races to go.

“He’s always at the top level, and it’s another task for Red Bull to give him a car that allows him to fight for the championship. But there’s no doubting him.”

While Verstappen has continued to extract the most from his car and put in outstanding performances, it is clear that McLaren have the edge. Alonso’s claim that his best season comes every year is set to be proved wrong as the Woking outfit look on course to snatch his championship crown.

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Should Max Verstappen be ruled out of the 2025 title fight?

Of course, there is still plenty of time left in the season to turn things around. With 15 races and four Sprints to go, Verstappen has a lot of opportunities to take the fight to Piastri and Norris.

Alonso says Verstappen cannot be ruled out of the title fight. But the Red Bull driver dealt himself a huge blow at the Spanish GP, which cost him several points.

Verstappen was hit with a 10-second time penalty for a collision with George Russell. Demoted from P5 to P10, he has now given himself a huge challenge to overcome, with Piastri extending his lead at the top.

As Alonso mentioned, it will also be difficult for Red Bull to produce a competitive car. Verstappen has lost faith in the technical department after Adrian Newey’s departure.