Fernando Alonso names his pick for the best F1 driver today

Fernando Alonso continues to prove he is one of the most skilled drivers in Formula 1. At 43 years old, he remains competitive. He has raced for teams that didn’t always match his level, yet he still delivered strong results. His consistency over the years has kept him relevant in a sport that constantly evolves. Despite his own legacy, Alonso knows how to recognize talent in others. Recently, he mentioned who he believes is the best F1 driver today.

“I think Max Verstappen is the best, I’ve been saying that for several years. He has reached a level that the rest of us haven’t reached yet. I like it when people win who don’t have the best car. And I think everyone agrees with that…There have been periods of dominance over the last 20 years in Formula 1. Great teams and drivers, but the wins were a little bit easier. With Max, except in 2023, he had serious competition in 2022 and also last year. And obviously in 2021, with Lewis Hamilton,“ confessed Fernando Alonso on GPblog.

It is difficult not to admire Max Verstappen. At just 27 years old, he has already made Formula 1 history. The Dutch driver has won four championships in a row. He continues to prove his dominance and control behind the wheel. His talent emerged early, and that changed everything. At just 17 years and 166 days, he became the youngest driver to race in F1. In the same season, he impressed fans and experts alike. As a result, he won the FIA Rookie of the Year award.

This season, Max Verstappen continues to prove why he is one of the elite drivers in Formula 1. He sits second in the standings with 61 points, just behind Lando Norris. His consistency remains impressive, as he keeps delivering top-level performances year after year. Because of that, his talent stands out in every race weekend.

Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing lifts his trophy on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on April 06, 2025 in Suzuka, Japan.

Fernando Alonso recently praised Verstappen’s run of success. He claimed that Max’s recent championships were tougher than many in past decades. This shows how Verstappen rises above strong competition. Even against rivals with equally competitive cars, he manages to maintain an edge.

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F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya gives controversial opinion on Max Verstappen’s success

Fernando Alonso recently praised Max Verstappen. However, not everyone in Formula 1 shares the same opinion. Some believe his dominance comes more from his Red Bull car than his driving skills. That does not mean Verstappen lacks talent. Still, many argue he could not achieve the same results with a car like Aston Martin’s or even with other mid-level teams.

Adding to the debate, Colombian F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya shared his thoughts. He offered a surprising perspective on Verstappen and his current performance level.

“That Red Bull (car) is not easy to drive. Max made the comment that if he was in a McLaren they wouldn’t have seen it, but I think Max’s handling is so specific to what he needs, that where he would ride in the McLaren he wouldn’t go fast…He wouldn’t go slow, no, but look when Red Bull started winning everything the one that came fast was Checo. The Mexicans were saying, we have a world champion,” stated Montoya on MontoyAS.