Christian Horner Reveals Why Fernando Alonso Isn’t Idolized by Max Verstappen

Fernando Alonso is one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, and even at the age of 41, he is still going strong. Alonso took a two-year hiatus from the sport but returned with only one goal in his mind- to win the world championship again.

Joining Aston Martin has paid off for Alonso, with him being able to get his hands on a competitive F1 car once again. However, Red Bull and Max Verstappen are too dominant for him to be thinking about challenging for the title this season. Verstappen is widely expected to coast toward his third consecutive title win and become a three-time champion at the young age of 25.

They asked Alonso about ’33’#MAX: “It’s a good number!”#ALONSO: “I should ask if he’s [Max] still using Number 1, I will ask for 33 next year! 😁” pic.twitter.com/mfEQjSXt4R

— Verstappen News (@MV_Updates) March 30, 2023

If Verstappen wins the title this year, he will have more championship wins than Alonso, cementing his legacy as one of F1’s legends despite his young age. However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner thinks there is one key factor that separates the two drivers, and describes how Verstappen can never be like Alonso.

Max Verstappen won’t race in F1 as long as Fernando Alonso

Alonso’s hunger to succeed in F1 has not disappeared despite his old age. He’s already a legend in F1, having achieved almost everything but he still aims to win more races before calling time on his career.

Horner feels that Verstappen won’t be the same as Alonso in this aspect. The Dutchman has stated on several occasions that he has already fulfilled all his dreams in F1, and won’t be racing as long as the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso.

#HELMUT: “He (Max) has had his private jet converted so that he can also sim race in the air in the future.”

Max Verstappen everyone 🤣👏 pic.twitter.com/3s3oLFPMQx

— Verstappen News (@MV_Updates) January 25, 2023

“I don’t see him being a Fernando Alonso and still racing at 41 or 42 years of age,” said Horner to Sky Sports. 

Verstappen may continue racing career away from F1

Aside from F1, Verstappen is a huge fan of sim-racing, and spends countless hours on his simulator, practicing and taking part in coveted tournaments online. Horner feels that even though Verstappen doesn’t plan on remaining in F1, his passion for the racing won’t die out.

Horner took the example of Verstappen’s love affair with sim-racing to support his statement. Keeping that in mind, the 49-year-old thinks that there is a huge chance that his star driver starts competing in other ventures after his current deal with Red Bull expires at the end of the 2028 season.

Horner adds that until Verstappen’s desire to take part in racing remains, he will stay in the ecosystem in one way or the other, even if it is not F1. However, he doesn’t think Verstappen will remain in motorsports as long as Alonso.