Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso’s bromance has been a feature of the 2023 season, as the pair have found themselves sharing the podium four times.
Sitting in the cool down room post-race and celebrating on the podium, the duo have been seen enjoying themselves and sharing a joke, as the respect between the pair shines through.
The relationship between the two has been visible since Alonso returned to the sport in 2021, with it stepping up a gear this year, as the two find themselves locked in some wheel-to-wheel action on track.
Reflecting on Alonso’s growing success this year, Verstappen has been clear that he would be overjoyed to see the Spaniard take his 33rd Grand Prix victory, even if that means he beats the Dutchman in a race.
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“I know that Fernando thinks that here he has the opportunity to do it and, honestly, I would love to see Fernando win,” Verstappen told AS.
“He should have won a lot more races than he has and he should have won a lot more titles than he has. Fernando is very good.
“He is still showing it, he is 41 years old and it is crazy to see him still at this level. I have a lot of respect for Fernando.
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“When I was younger and followed Formula 1, he no longer had the best car, in the Ferrari years, but still he fought for the title only because of his driving level, or because of how he positioned himself in the first round.”
While it’s good to see that two Formula 1 world champions have such respect for one another, it will be interesting to see that holds up as Aston Martin’s car becomes increasingly competitive.
Alonso has made no secret of his ambition to, not just win again, but to secure a third world championship, ending Verstappen’s reign at the top of the sport.