Max Verstappen: “In that respect, we Formula 1 drivers are all the same”

Max Verstappen loves to put his foot down even away from Formula 1. In this respect, he is much like veteran driver Fernando Alonso, who has already taken on many different challenges. Neither of them limits their love of racing to the Grand Prix circuit. Last year, for example, Verstappen took part in the 24-hour classic at the Nürburgring. And he was on course for victory for a long time before a technical fault dashed his hopes of first place.

Alonso loves endurance racing too. He even took a break from Formula 1, during which he was crowned endurance world champion. And he was able to stand beaming on the top step of the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on two occasions. The two-time world champion has also enjoyed success at Daytona; he has taken on the Indy 500 challenge three times and, in 2020, completed the infamous Dakar Rally, finishing in 13th place.

A more handsome version of Fernando Alonso?

No wonder, says Pedro de la Rosa, that Verstappen reminds people of the Asturian. He even described the Dutchman as a younger version of Fernando Alonso. Verstappen jokes when asked about this in the Singapore paddock: “Yes, that’s true, and I’m also a slightly better-looking version.” On a slightly more serious note, he adds: “We all love racing; in that respect, we Formula 1 drivers are all the same.”

“And we love putting our foot down in any kind of racing car. He perhaps does so in even more types of racing cars than I do. And I really do think you shouldn’t limit yourself to just Formula 1. I just love having fun on the track. And when you’re young, it’s naturally great to be competitive in other series as well. In that sense, it’s certainly true – we love racing,” added the 72-time Grand Prix winner.

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