With his exploits in the 2023 F1 season, Max Verstappen seems unstoppable. The Dutchman is in cruise control to achieve his third championship title and break several records. However, the 25-year-old driver received a word of caution from Fernando Alonso as he advised the Dutchman not to relax while the Red Bull star is at the top.
The Spaniard spoke with experience, having raced in F1 for over 17 years. Between 2005 and 2006, Alonso dominated F1 with Renault, breaking Ferrari’s dominance in the sport. But all of it came to a stop once he moved to McLaren.
Since 2006, the driver has never tasted championship glory, despite coming agonizingly close as a Ferrari driver in 2010 and 2014. The veteran driver warned Red Bull driver’s dominance would one day come to an end too.
No guarantee of sustained F1 success for Max Verstappen
Like Max Verstappen, Alonso was once considered a generational talent. The Spaniard defeated the likes of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen to become the then-youngest world champion. At that time, it seemed he could shatter all the records. But F1, as per Alonso’s own words, changes too quickly, and so did his reign at the top.
The driver shared, “There are no guarantees. When I won two Championships, I thought I would win a few more and have a lot of victories. So Max (Verstappen) cannot relax because things can change quickly.”
The Aston Martin driver’s opinion resonated with the words of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Horner stated that every team’s days as a champion is limited, and his rivals could soon catch up once they bring the right upgrades. But for now, the team has a hand on both championship trophies.
Can Fernando Alonso become the World champion again?
It’s been over a decade since last Alonso battled for a championship. But 2023 has been blissful for him. The Spaniard has enjoyed a career revival since he joined Aston Martin. This season, Alonso has sealed 5 podiums in 7 races so far and stands third in the championship. Such impressive results have raised optimism amongst his fans for another championship before he eventually retires for good.
He’s so cool, isn’t he?! 😃
Fernando Alonso started waving to fans before the race had finished! #SpanishGP @AstonMartinF1 pic.twitter.com/7aopJHQVWY
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2023
However, Alonso is already 41, which has raised doubts about his chances. But the two-time world champion has responded to the statements, “There are a few more years, I think, for me. Hopefully, you know, with a title contender in the future.”
The driver believes Aston Martin could be a title challenger in the future. So maybe, in a season or two, Alonso could realistically push Max Verstappen and Red Bull for a title clash.
