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Verstappen and Alonso at testing

Verstappen to have "more fun" with "less pressure" as F1 champion - Alonso

Verstappen and Alonso at testing — Photo: © LAT Images

Verstappen to have "more fun" with "less pressure" as F1 champion - Alonso

Alonso expects Verstappen will feel "less pressure" this year

Fernando Alonso has claimed F1 champion Max Verstappen will have "less pressure" this season after 'accomplishing a dream'.

Verstappen triumphed after a season-long battle with Lewis Hamilton last year to secure his maiden title.

As the Dutchman prepares to mount his defence, Alonso feels Verstappen is now likely to have "more fun".

Asked if there is a different feeling to driving knowing you are a champion, Alonso said: "I don't think so.

"If anything, you will have less pressure because you accomplished already one of your dreams.

"From now on it's more fun and you go into the races knowing you are champion already once and you will always try to fight for championships and add number two.

"But if anything, he should have less pressure."

So far, Red Bull has yet to show its pace, with Sergio Perez conceding the team has not focused on outright pace despite just one-and-a-half days of pre-season testing remaining.

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