Formula 1 News: Verstappen admires Alonso above all others

(GMM) Max Verstappen has singled out Formula 1’s elder statesman Fernando Alonso as the active driver he admires the most.

The new triple world champion, who is some 16 years younger than Alonso, says it’s the 42-year-old Spaniard who he relates to the most among his current rivals.

“It’s strange because we belong to very different generations,” Verstappen, 26, told La Gazzetta dello Sport’s weekly publication Sportweek.

“He even raced against my father,” the Dutchman added, referring to Jos Verstappen who was still racing a Minardi when Alonso was at Renault in 2003.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 30, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen said of Alonso: “But we have a very similar approach. We love racing deeply. Proof of this is that Fernando is still so competitive at 42.

“I admire him,” he admits.

“And then, as a person, he is super nice to me. He doesn’t boast about his titles, he doesn’t put himself above others, he remains himself all the time.

“We can talk about everything in a natural and relaxed way, without complications. He’s a good role model,” said the dominant Red Bull driver.