Fernando Alonso has stated that Max Verstappen’s title opponents have failed to “intimidate” him, as he plans to challenge the Red Bull driver for the Formula One title in 2026.
Alonso failed to gain points for Aston Martin, finishing 11th at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as Verstappen won his fourth consecutive title.
The Dutchman joined an elite group of F1 champions who have won four or more World Championships, becoming only the sixth.
Many consider Verstappen’s victory this year to be his most impressive and hard-fought success, owing to Red Bull’s fall in competitiveness during the season.
However, Alonso has questioned the attitude of Verstappen’s championship challengers, indicating his goals after the laws are altered in 2026.
“Everyone who has fought Max for championships so far hasn’t managed to intimidate him much,” the Spaniard told DAZN.
“Hopefully, one day it will be my turn to change that story.”
“Congratulations to Max,” he said. “I hope to be there in 202.
Alonso applauds Verstappen.
The Spaniard stated that someone needs to take the fight to Verstappen, and while he hopes it would be himself, he recognized that he will have to wait until at least 2026.
Of course, Adrian Newey will design the Aston Martin challenger for the 2026 season, once the new regulations are implemented.
Despite the fighting language, Alonso was quick to acknowledge Verstappen’s accomplishments during the race.
“Obviously a big, big congratulations [to Verstappen],” he told reporters, including Motorsport Week.
“This one must feel particularly special to him, I believe, because the car isn’t as dominant as last year.
“So I think he did an amazing job this year to put the vehicle in a position that was perhaps unrealistic.
“The best example is Brazil.”
“So yeah, it was all up to him this year, and he was the best.”
“So always things to learn from a driver like him in this kind of performances this year.”
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