Formula 1’s current grid is studded with three world champions— Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen. The last guy on this list is now the most dominant force. This opinion is held by Alonso, as, according to him, the Dutchman surpasses the two world champions, currently trying to reduce his dominance on the grid.
With the undefeated RB19, Verstappen is on the verge of securing his third-world title. The entire Red Bull team is working diligently to make him one of the greatest drivers ever to grace the sport.
Very happy to be on pole here at the Red Bull Ring 💪 This is a great start @redbullracing, but there’s still a busy weekend ahead 👊
Thanks for all the support out here, so great to see! 🙏#OrangeArmy #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/UdT8keJtEY
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) June 30, 2023
And in return, the 25-year-old is not disappointing anyone except his rivals. Therefore, it is bringing a debate among F1 fans about who is the better driver between Verstappen and Hamilton in the ongoing decade. And Alonso has a judgment to make.
Max Verstappen is better than Lewis Hamilton
In a recent interview by CNN, Alonso was asked who he would rate the best among him, Hamilton and Verstappen. A slightly awkward Spaniard first said it’s obvious one would choose themselves in such a case. However, he tried to give an opinion that he holds without his narcissistic swing.
“I respect both of them. I think Max [Verstappen] last year and this year is maybe a step ahead. He’s on another level,” said Alonso. “He’s always overperforming. I know the Red Bull is the best car, but you must deliver the job even when you have the best car.”
He further adds that it’s very hard to find any weaknesses in Verstappen’s driving this year, which is a testament to his dominance. On the other hand, he claims that there is nothing to say about Hamilton, as he has been at the top of the game for the last 15 years and still continues to be impressive.
Fernando Alonso claims his current version to be the best
While Alonso answered the head-to-head comparison, he was also asked about his own form. In his personal opinion, he is currently the best version of his entire career, even better than when he won two championships in a row.
That is a huge statement considering in 2005, he ended Michael Schumacher’s five-year-long dominance. But Alonso gives strong reasoning by stating he has more experience than ever before, allowing him to make better judgments.
Fernando Alonso has completed all 487 race laps so far in 2023 and every single on of them in the top 10
P1: 3
P2: 167
P3: 147
P4: 52
P5: 22
P6: 40
P7: 34
P8: 7
P9: 11
P10: 4Stats by @autosport pic.twitter.com/3ODUNuFUYW
— Aston Martin F1 updates (@startonpole) June 30, 2023
So far, Alonso’s impressive performances have benefited his team Aston Martin, who aim to be a title contender in the foreseeable future. And their trajectory this season has been impressive.