If Fernando Alonso is the oldest champion F1 driver in the grid, then Max Verstappen is the youngest champion. Among the drivers currently on the grid, there are only three who have been champions. It is Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max. Anyhow, the great Briton is the most successful F1 racer in history. But it seems like his dominating days are over. It is time for the new and young Dutch sensation. Before the 2023 season, the Red Bull driver was also a two-time champion like the Spaniard driver. Moreover, the Aston Martin racer is the oldest driver in the F1 grid at present. On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton is close to 40 years old.
Hence, among these drivers, Max Verstappen should have many more years to go in F1. Who knows how many championships will he end up winning? He may even break Hamilton’s record. But let’s not count out the old horses just yet. They are still very fit and fast. And with the right car, who knows how difficult they can make things for Max? Last year, Alonso had a great start with Aston Martin. But Red Bull clearly has the superior car in the grid. That’s why they managed to win 38 races in two years. But Alonso recently said that he sees a lot of him in Max.
Verstappen’s Journey Reminds Fernando Alonso Of His Own Beginning
Recently, in the DAZN documentary, the two-time champion mentioned that Max was crazier when he was a rookie in the sport. But gradually, the Red Bull champ grew up to be a rounded and more perfected driver. Sam Cooper of PlanetF1.com quoted Fernando Alonso saying that he sees a little in Max Verstappen. Both the drivers like competition and driving. That’s it. For them, sport is more important than spectacle. Both the 42-year-old driver and the 26-year-old driver wear the team clothes when they arrive at the circuit with their backpack.
Most Consecutive Podiums in F1 History
— Daniel Valente 🏎️ (@F1GuyDan) February 6, 2024
Michael Schumacher – 19
Lewis Hamilton – 16
Max Verstappen – 15
Fernando Alonso – 15
It’s incredible that even through long periods of domination by Mercedes & Red Bull, no one can match Schumacher. pic.twitter.com/QopjdZ4eyw
After racing on the weekends, they take the backpack on Sunday and return home. That’s how similar the Spaniard and the Dutch are, feels the former. Even the trajectory of the rise of both Alonso and Verstappen has been pretty similar. Fernando Alonso was 25 when he became a two-time champion with Renault. On the other hand, Max Verstappen is 26 and is already gearing up to win his back-to-back fourth title. If Alonso had not made some wrong decisions when changing teams, then it would not have dried up his trophy cabinet.
Can The Spaniard Win More Titles In His 40s?
In 2023, Fernando Alonso started the season brilliantly. He was the fastest driver except for the Red Bull duo. But slowly, Aston Martin could not maintain the same pace on every track. However, every fan noticed the old horse making a mark at 42. It is inspirational, but if Alonso can win a few Grand Prix in 2024, that would be remarkable.
NEW WHEEL KNOWLEDGE VIDEO 👀
— Matt Gallagher (@MattP1Gallagher) February 5, 2024
Why Fernando Alonso is the PERFECT choice for Mercedes
🎥 https://t.co/7dnrDn240O pic.twitter.com/q6NWGzv67t
Clearly, he is still a very much championship pedigree. On the other hand, Max Verstappen has hinted that he might quit F1 when he is thirty. The Red Bull driver has no intention of having great longevity in F1 like Hamilton and Alonso. He has no intention to continue his F1 career when or after he is 40.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite F1 team.
