Monaco GP Rival Fernando Alonso Is Max Verstappen’s Favorite F1 Driver as “Best Friend” Lando Norris Gets Snubbed

Max Verstappen will start the 2023 Monaco GP from pole position, which will be the first time he starts from P1 in the principality. Fortunately for him, he will start right in front of his favorite F1 driver on the gird, Fernando Alonso, as he recently revealed in an interview in Monaco.

One of the greatest Qualifying sessions of all-time in Formula 1 💫

This, is no ordinary sport 💙#MonacoGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Gvxojnewsu

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 27, 2023

Verstappen has often revealed that his “best friend” on track is McLaren star Lando Norris. He spends a lot of time with the young Brit, both inside and outside the world of F1. As reported by the Daily Mail, Norris being himself and normal is what makes Verstappen so fond of him.

However, when it comes to driving abilities, the Red Bull driver has a completely different answer as to who his favorite driver is. Ahead of qualifying in Monaco, he was asked who is favorite driver in F1 was currently. Verstappen didn’t have to think much before deciding that his answer was Fernando Alonso.

Why is Fernando Alonso Verstappen’s favorite F1 driver?

Alonso is arguably one of the best F1 drivers of all time. Many people feel that his statistical achievements don’t do justice to just how good he is behind the wheel of an F1 car, and Verstappen seemingly agrees with this.

Q; Who is your favorite driver on the grid?
Max:
Probably Fernando, I get really well with Lando as well, but I have much respect to Fernando at this age to be so committed. I like his style! pic.twitter.com/7ezXhnSeJj

— Aston Martin F1 updates (@startonpole) May 28, 2023

In a video posted by Aston Martin F1 Updates, Verstappen reveals why Alonso is his favorite. It is to be noted that he does admit to having a great relationship with Norris too.

“Probably Fernando,” the 25-year-old revealed when asked who his favorite was. “I get really well with Lando as well. But I have much respect for Fernando at this age to be so committed. I like his style!”

Verstappen denies Alonso pole in stunning fashion

Verstappen produced what was arguably one of the best qualifying laps of all time in Monaco yesterday. Alonso looked set on getting pole, but Verstappen hugged the narrow walls of the streets of Monaco fearlessly to somehow jump the Spaniard on his final run.

Verstappen was about three-tenths of a second down on Alonso heading into the final sector of his last flying lap. What surprised fans the most was how he scraped the walls on almost every turn, but still managed to go faster than the two-time world champion he was competing against.

Total commitment, immense skill and mind-blowing bravery 🤯

What a final sector from @Max33Verstappen to topple Alonso! #MonacoGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/IopkplombB

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 27, 2023

At the Red Bull camp, however, there must have been contrasting emotions after the session on Saturday. While Verstappen has a golden opportunity to win the race tomorrow and extend his lead at the top, his teammate Sergio Perez will start P20. This is because Perez crashed out just minutes after Q1 in Monaco kicked off.