Fernando Alonso backs Max Verstappen for the F1 title: “If it goes to Abu Dhabi, he becomes the man to beat”. Fernando Alonso believes Max Verstappen is the clear favorite if the 2025 F1 title fight goes down to Abu Dhabi.

F1: Alonso tips Verstappen as the driver to beat in 2025 title fight

If the 2025 Formula 1 championship battle goes down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, Fernando Alonso is convinced Max Verstappen will be “the man to chase.” The Red Bull star has been in scintillating form since the summer break, cementing his status as a top contender for the drivers’ title, and Alonso, a two-time world champion, agrees. With three wins in the last four races, Verstappen has slashed over 60 points off the gap to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the standings. Now, just over two race wins separate the Dutchman from the championship lead.

With five races left in the 2025 season, Fernando Alonso has become the first driver to publicly back Max Verstappen to clinch the title. The Spaniard praised the four-time world champion’s raw talent and extraordinary ability, widely regarded as the best of his generation. For Fernando Alonso, if the 2025 title fight extends to the final race in Abu Dhabi, McLaren’s drivers could find themselves chasing Verstappen rather than leading the pack.

Alonso’s take on Verstappen’s dominance

Expressing his admiration for Verstappen, Alonso highlighted how the 28-year-old has become synonymous with success in Formula 1. He said: “Well, I think he’s a four-time world champion, first of all. That’s not something that happens by chance. He’s one of the best drivers in the history of this sport.”

“I think he’s capable of extracting the maximum from the car. When the car is dominant, he can win the championship and break a few records during the season,” Fernando Alonso added. “And when the car isn’t that great, or not the fastest, he still manages to deliver a strong qualifying lap or a solid race. He’s able to put up a good fight.”

Fernando Alonso’s confidence in the Red Bull driver stems from Verstappen’s performance in the dramatic 2021 season, where he clinched the title against Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling Abu Dhabi finale. Unlike Verstappen, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are experiencing their first taste of leading the championship and have never been in a tight, cross-team title battle. Fernando Alonso believes that if a 2021-style showdown unfolds between McLaren and Verstappen, the Woking team could be at a disadvantage.

“He’s at a very high level, a really high level. And yes, this year obviously [Verstappen] is fighting against a superior car, which is the McLaren. But if it comes down to the last race or any race with just a few points in it, maybe at that moment he becomes the man to chase,” Fernando Alonso explained.

“As I said before, I think the two McLarens have enough of an advantage with their car to fight among themselves.” – the Spanish driver concluded.