Fernando Alonso’s recent praise for Max Verstappen has sparked discussions about old memories and rivalries.
Johnny Herbert recently commented on Fernando Alonso’s compliments to Max Verstappen at Suzuka, attributing this support to the fact that Alonso and Verstappen have never been teammates. In contrast, Herbert speculates there might be some unresolved tensions between Alonso and Lewis Hamilton from their 2007 season at McLaren.
During that 2007 season, both Alonso and Hamilton ended just a point short of the championship, losing to Kimi Raikkonen. Herbert suggests that this close competition left Alonso with a lingering sense of bitterness, especially since he had anticipated having the upper hand over Hamilton, who was relatively new at the time.
Alonso’s admiration for Verstappen was evident in his comments about Verstappen’s performance at Suzuka, particularly his pole lap that put him ahead of faster McLaren cars. Alonso described it as a ‘magical moment,’ emphasizing Verstappen’s ability to elevate the car beyond its perceived capabilities.
Herbert believes that Alonso’s endorsement of Verstappen could partly be because they haven’t shared a team environment, unlike Alonso’s challenging experience with Hamilton at McLaren. The rivalry during their time as teammates was intense, and Herbert suggests Alonso might still carry some of that competitive tension.
The conversation about Alonso’s perspective on Verstappen versus Hamilton raises interesting insights into the complexities of driver dynamics in Formula 1. It highlights how past experiences and unmet expectations can influence current opinions and relationships within the racing world.
Alonso’s public support for Verstappen serves as a fascinating reminder of the intricate and long-lasting relationships in Formula 1, merging admiration for a fellow driver with echoes of past rivalries.
