After securing his 19th win of 2023 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen comically interviewed Fernando Alonso, where it was discovered that they are both testing GT3 cars during the winter break.
Verstappen converted pole position into victory yet again last weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, a venue he’s now been victorious at in three successive seasons.
The 26-year-old fended off an early attack from Charles Leclerc, before cruising to victory by 18 seconds over the Ferrari driver.
As for Alonso, the Spaniard was involved in various battles throughout the final race of the season, most notably with Lewis Hamilton.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Alonso was actually investigated by the stewards for potentially brake testing Hamilton, something which was waved off.
He ended up finishing seventh which was enough to secure fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, much to his delight.
Verstappen asked Alonso about his race after he’d finished an interview with ViaPlay, which led to a comical interaction.
“Fernando, How was your race?” Verstappen asked the Spaniard on ViaPlay.
“My race was a lot more exciting than yours I think,” Alonso replied.
The three-time World Champion then asked Alonso about his tyre wear during the race, something Alonso admitted was “unexpected”.
“Unexpected, A lot of deg, especially at the front. So I think I was the first one to stop in lap 16, is that right?” Alonso asked Verstappen.
The Dutchman replied: “The mediums, front, were quite fragile as well. So we expected it to be a one stop but it turned out to be a two stop.”
Verstappen’s and Alonso’s attention then turned to the winter break and their plans, which are very similar.
Both drivers are going to be testing GT3 cars during the off-season, with Verstappen to complete a test in Portimao, whilst Alonso is heading to Aragon for his.
Verstappen invited Alonso along to his test, as both drivers are keen to drive GT3 machinery together.
READ: Max Verstappen told to apologise
Their discussion about the off-season was triggered by Alonso, who asked Verstappen about his upcoming plans.
“Hopefully not too much […] I hope you have a great time in Testing. I am testing in GT3 if you want, in Portimao,” Verstappen said.
Alonso was seemingly up to arranging a GT3 test with Verstappen and said: “With the DTM car. Yes, then I can beat you there.”