Max Verstappen in Austin - Photo: Race Pictures

Alonso gives verdict: will Verstappen be world champion in 2025?

11:24, 17 Oct

Updated: 12:44, 17 Oct

byTobia Elia

Fernando Alonso sees Max Verstappen as the only driver still capable of challenging McLaren for the title despite their car advantage.

“Max is an incredible driver, and if there is anyone that can overcome the deficit of the car, it's him”

- Fernando Alonso

Speaking to GPblog ahead of the United States Grand Prix, the Spaniard shared his thoughts on who he believes could come out on top in Abu Dhabi: “Difficult to guess. That will be the question that we all want to know in advance.

“I would say that the two McLarens have a little bit of an advantage, just because of the points advantage. I would say it's between the two of them.”

Fernando Alonso - Photo: Race pictures

Although he acknowledged McLaren’s current superiority and their sizeable lead in the standings, the two-time world champion believes that only Verstappen has what it takes to overturn a title race that, on paper, appears to be between Norris and Piastri alone.

“Max is an incredible driver, and if there is anyone that can overcome the deficit of the car, it's him. So let's see.”

Verstappen reaffirms chances at 2025 title verdict

After already being asked how confident he feels about completing his comeback and securing a fifth consecutive world title against the two McLaren drivers, Verstappen faced the same question again in Austin.

Thanks to his second-place finish in Singapore, the Dutchman managed to claw back three points from Norris and six from Piastri — a solid result, considering Marina Bay was never expected to suit the RB21’s characteristics.

However, the gap remains significant, even with six Grands Prix and three Sprints still to go — including one right here in Austin this weekend.

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