Author: Barkha Roy
Max Verstappen, the current F1 championship leader, has expressed his desire to see Fernando Alonso win a race this year, describing the two-time world champion as an “animal”. Verstappen, who leads the drivers’ championship with 53 points, believes that Alonso, known for his relentless spirit, really deserves a win.
Verstappen’s Red Bull has dominated the sport this year, winning all seven races so far. Despite the team’s success, Verstappen recognizes the importance of the competition and hopes that more teams can challenge Red Bull’s competence. He acknowledged the boredom that fans can feel when only one stands out, drawing parallels with the past dominance of Mercedes and Ferrari in F1.
Aston Martin, the surprise team of the 2023 season, shares Verstappen’s optimism as they head towards the Canadian Grand Prix. Owner Lawrence Stroll is hopeful that both Fernando Alonso and his son Lance Stroll can secure a podium place in the next race. Aston Martin had a challenging performance in Barcelona, its weakest outing to date, but Alonso is confident that the team’s new parts and the possible wet weather conditions in Montreal will improve its competitiveness.
Verstappen, the overwhelming favorite to win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, is aiming to secure his 41st career victory, which would put him on the same level as Ayrton Senna. However, Verstappen humbly states that it is impossible to compare the achievements of different drivers, emphasizing that careers vary due to factors such as car performance and time.
Although Verstappen’s leadership of the Red Bull team may be a negative point for some spectators, the Dutch driver appreciates the hard work and achievements of other teams. He acknowledges Mercedes’ and Ferrari’s impressive runs in the past and believes that overcoming dominance is a matter of working harder and catching up.
The Canadian Grand Prix is important for Red Bull, which is seeking its 100th victory since joining F1 in 2005. Verstappen’s possible success could also elevate him to the ranking of the sport’s most successful drivers, alongside Ayrton Senna, with 41 triumphs. However, Verstappen remains focused on his ultimate goal of winning more races and expresses indifference to superstitious beliefs involving numbers and symbols.
As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Verstappen, Alonso and Aston Martin as they look to make their mark on the highly competitive F1 circuit.