Max Verstappen "not British" adding to "difficult" F1 title fight - Fernando Alonso

Hamilton, Verstappen — Photo: © LAT Images

Hungarian Grand Prix

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Verstappen "not British" adding to "difficult" F1 title fight - Alonso

Ian Parkes

Sunday 1 August 2021 09:30

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Fernando Alonso believes the fact Max Verstappen "is not British" is adding to the difficulties of his F1 title fight with Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen rounded on an interviewer in the main FIA press conference after qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix when asked as to the potential for another wheel-to-wheel battle with Hamilton in the race.

The Red Bull driver vented his fury, using expletives to get his point across that he had run out of patience with the line of questioning.

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As a driver that has gone up against Hamilton in past title fights, it led to two-time champion Alonso being asked as to whether he could understand Verstappen's emotions.

"I didn't see the press conference but I feel, probably, what they are experiencing now, especially Max because he is the younger guy fighting with a legend, a champion," replied Alonso.

"He is not British so it will always be more difficult for him, so let's see."

Alonso sees potential with Hamilton Verstappen ahead on grid

Alonso has the opportunity to extend his five-race scoring streak when he starts from ninth on the grid at the Hungaroring.

The 40-year-old, who is arguably racing as well as he has done throughout his career, believes there are strong possibilities for a high finish given the field ahead of him.

Hamilton starts from pole but is on the medium tyre compared to Verstappen directly behind him on the soft compound.

Additionally, McLaren's Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari line up sixth and seventh, with their respective teams engaged in a fight for third in the constructors' championship.

"We need to be careful because in front of us something could again happen tomorrow," added Alonso.

"We have Max starting on the red tyre, Lewis on the yellow; we have Checo [Sergio Perez], [Pierre] Gasly also, and also behind them Norris and Leclerc, who are two of the best starters.

"The first corner there is going to be a little bit of action and we need to be clever to stay out of any trouble and benefit from whatever happens in front of us.

"We want a clean first lap because maybe there are some positions that come for free."