Fernando Alonso has once again issued a glowing verdict on Max Verstappen ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen has showed his class at the start of his title defence in 2025.
He arrives at Sakhir only a point adrift of championship leader Lando Norris despite the obvious limitations of the Red Bull car. His two teammates have yet to score a single point.
Verstappen delivered one of the all-time great pole laps at Suzuka last time out to upset McLaren. He proceeded to control the race and score his first victory of the year.
Speaking to Viaplay immediately after qualifying, Alonso said ‘only he can do that’ in reference to Verstappen’s lap. The mutual respect is obvious.
However, Alonso is also worried for Verstappen. He’s reminded of the challenge he faced in 2012, when he tried and failed to beat Sebastian Vettel in ‘the third or fourth fastest car’.
Lewis Hamilton was ‘blown away’ by Fernando Alonso’s glowing verdict in 2011
Alonso was highly complimentary once again during his Bahrain Grand Prix media duties on Thursday. He apparently had to fight for his titles more than ‘the last two eras of champions’.
Implicitly, the Aston Martin driver seems to be criticising his great rivals Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. But one Reddit user has dug up some telling remarks from Alonso in 2011.
The then-Ferrari driver said, via Sky Sports, that Hamilton was ‘the only driver capable of winning races in a car which is not the best’. The Englishman picked up three victories for McLaren that year as Vettel dominated the championship.
That sounds awfully similar to what Alonso has been saying about Verstappen recently. Hamilton was touched by the remarks.
“I’m blown away Fernando is so positive towards me despite my season,” he said. “Despite the relationship we’ve had, I think our friendship and the respect we have for one another, has got a lot stronger.
“So it’s nice to see that coming out because I’ve only ever said he is one of the best drivers, if not the best driver here. It’s nice to know I’ve got support from some drivers.”
Ralf Schumacher spots the obstacle that could stop Max Verstappen replacing Fernando Alonso
Ironically, Alonso’s Aston Martin seat could be at risk amid the team’s interest in Verstappen. The two-time world champion will turn 44 in July.
Verstappen’s exit clause will become active this summer if Red Bull fail to meet a certain performance standard. Lawrence Stroll could look to pounce.
After his win in Japan, Verstappen reflected on his ‘amazing’ relationship with Honda. It’s significant that they will now supply Aston Martin.
However, Ralf Schumacher spotted an obstacle in Aston Martin’s Verstappen pursuit. Both Lance Stroll and Alonso are under contract for 2026, so the team would have to pay one of them off.
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