Why Verstappen is "one step ahead" of Hamilton
Why Verstappen is "one step ahead" of Hamilton
Fernando Alonso believes Max Verstappen “deserves” to take the F1 title away from Lewis Hamilton because the Red Bull driver has been “one step ahead” this year.
Two-time champion Alonso, who was Hamilton's team-mate in the Briton's debut season in 2007, has been impressed by the composure of the two contenders but feels Verstappen’s level of racing should edge him ahead.
The Dutchman will line up on pole after stunning Hamilton with a breathtaking lap in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying to take the advantage into the season-finale.
“I don’t know exactly how they approach these final moments, but they seem okay, on top of their game at the moment, both of them are driving amazing, no mistakes and pushing the limits every race,” said Alonso, speaking ahead of the weekend.
“They are first and second in every race because they are on another level and that is fantastic to see, how they push each other. This final race is going to be tense, for sure, for them, and we will see. It will depend on the package.
“Mercedes lately is performing better and won a couple of races but Max is driving, in my opinion, one step ahead of all of us.
"We saw the lap in Jeddah [in qualifying] until he touched the wall. That lap was coming from Max, not the Red Bull. That’s my opinion.
"Mercedes deserve the constructors’ championship because the car is superior, and Max, maybe overall this year, has been driving one step ahead of everyone. He deserves it.“
Alonso "not supporting anyone"
This year’s title battle has been one of the most intensely fought in years, with the driving rules often pushed to the limits but Alonso refused to be drawn on whether either contender had overstepped the mark.
Verstappen has suggested his driving has been held to different standards this season but when asked if he agreed, Alonso said: “I don’t know. It is difficult to comment because you are not involved and you don’t have all the information.
“Normally, [the stewards] take the decision that is fair. Sometimes we ask for clarifications. Some of the decisions they were maybe too hard, like touching the rear wing was a big fine, which from the outside we see a little bit strange.
“From the drivers’ point of view, we just want some consistency to know exactly what we can and cannot do, but we always respect what decisions the stewards are making.”
Alonso denied he is taking sides in the title battle but admitted it was “nice to watch” and added: “As a motorsport fan, you are following and you are aware of the stress that they may get in the weekend.
“It is nice to watch from the outside but I think whoever wins, it doesn’t change too much your approach or your weekend. When someone asks, I can have an opinion, but everyone has a different one and I am not supporting anyone.”
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 News Today: Hamilton blasted by former F1 giant as multi-world champion poised for FIA showdown
- 32 minutes ago
Newey Red Bull exit details confirmed as Ferrari make dramatic unveiling - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Award-winning director reveals STUNNING tribute to F1 legend Senna
- Yesterday 22:57
Ferrari fans BEG for Newey after team reveal shock change
- Yesterday 21:57
Newey manager hints at Red Bull legend's SHOCK next move after exit
- Yesterday 20:57
Ecclestone ATTACKS Hamilton 'ego' after Ferrari move
- Yesterday 19:57
- 1
Related news
F1 track to test stunning new driver format
Verstappen caught red-handed in failed Red Bull sabotage
Verstappen's F1 break includes one major omission
Marko mourns death of key Red Bull figure after championship win
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860