Verstappen pays tribute to Alonso: “He is getting old but he is still very fast! »

The two men have never hidden their admiration for each other. Between Fernando Alonso et Max Verstappen, we could almost speak of filiation, as the two men are so similar, both in their style and in their unfailing determination. When the Dutchman was fighting for the title against Lewis Hamilton in 2021, the Spaniard did not hesitate to praise the merits of his younger brother. So obviously, there was a certain honor for Verstappen at the end of qualifying to share the front row of the Canadian Grand Prix for the first time with Alonso.

“It’s true that it’s been a while since Fernando was on the front line, commented the Batavian on Saturday evening. I remember, when I was a child, watching the F1 and see him win races, championships, and be on pole. So sharing the front row with him today is superb. Fernando is getting older but he's still fast! I also know that he is very good at the start so I will have to be careful tomorrow (Sunday) ! (laughs)”

Alonso aims for top 5

Obviously very happy after his first front row victory since the 2012 German Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso does not have too many illusions about his chances of retaining his position on Sunday, or even of going to tickle Verstappen. “I don't really have the final classification in mind, so I haven't really looked at what it was realistically possible to envisage for the race yet. But I would say the Top 5. We have a good position on the grid, but we also know our limits. In recent weeks we have seen Red Bull and Ferrari having punctures or problems in the first laps and still finishing in front with a margin. I would say the top 4 is locked, so 5th would already be a victory for us.” 

When we know the determination of the man who will be 41 years old in a month, we easily say to ourselves that he will probably not be satisfied with a top 5. As a reminder, he will also benefit from the departures of Sergio Perez in 13th position and Charles Leclerc in 19th, the Monegasque having decided to take several penalties in order to change engines. 

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