Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin has expressed significant admiration for Max Verstappen as the 2025 Formula 1 season sees Red Bull struggling with their RB21 car. Despite the vehicle not matching its previous championship standards, Verstappen continues to demonstrate remarkable determination and competitive spirit.
After 12 rounds, Verstappen holds third position in the drivers’ standings, accumulating 165 points with two race victories and five podium finishes. His ability to perform consistently while driving a less competitive car highlights his skill and persistence throughout the season.
Max Verstappen’s Current Standing and the Competitive Landscape
Verstappen’s four consecutive drivers’ titles from 2021 to 2024 have been widely celebrated, but the current campaign is his first with Red Bull failing to supply a truly championship-contending car. He trails behind McLaren’s front-running duo: Oscar Piastri, who leads with 234 points and five wins, and Lando Norris, sitting second with 226 points and four wins.
This significant points gap underscores the ongoing challenge Verstappen faces, yet his consistent presence on the podium speaks to his resilience and skill in a less capable RB21.
Alonso Highlights Verstappen’s Commitment Despite Equipment Limitations
Alonso, speaking to DAZN, praised Verstappen’s performance this season despite the RB21 not being among the best cars on the grid. He remarked on the Dutch driver’s unwavering effort:
“This year, he may not even have a car that’s one of the best two or three, but he’s still fighting along. He always performs at the top level. It’s another task for Red Bull to give him a car to fight for the championship. But there is no doubt about him.”
— Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Driver
His comments emphasize the challenge for Red Bull to restore their car’s competitiveness and the trust Alonso places in Verstappen’s talent regardless of the machinery’s limitations.
Speculations on Verstappen’s Future and Mercedes Interest
Beyond the current season, questions about Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 continue to surface, particularly regarding a potential move to Mercedes in 2026. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has reportedly admired Verstappen’s skills for some time, amplifying rumors of the Dutchman possibly joining their ranks.
Ralf Schumacher, a former driver turned pundit, recently shared his perspective on this possibility, citing technical issues impeding Red Bull’s progress and the appeal of Mercedes as a strong alternative:
“In the history of Formula 1, it usually takes two to three years. Now of course one thing can happen and that is that next year’s rule changes lead to a great approach. But I lack that fantasy. Because for two, or a year and a half, Pierre Waché has failed to make the car really drivable and good. So I still think that after last weekend Max is thinking strongly about leaving Red Bull,”
— Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver and Pundit
His remark highlights ongoing frustrations with Red Bull’s current car development and the potential impact of upcoming regulation changes on Verstappen’s decision-making ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
What Lies Ahead for Verstappen and the 2025 Season
As the season unfolds, Verstappen’s determination to remain a top contender despite the RB21’s shortcomings remains evident. The next races, particularly the Belgian Grand Prix, may prove pivotal both for Red Bull’s attempts to improve their car and for Verstappen’s future career direction.
Given his proven capability and young age, Verstappen remains one of the most sought-after drivers in Formula 1. How the team addresses current challenges will likely influence not only this season’s outcome but also the broader trajectory of his racing career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a billionaire?
A. Different sources estimate Max Verstappen’s net worth to be around $210 million.
Q. Is Max Verstappen’s child a boy?
A. MIAMI — Max Verstappen shared that he and his partner, Kelly Piquet, have welcomed their first child. On Friday, the four-time world champion revealed on Instagram that they had a baby girl named Lily.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Kelly Piquet, Max Verstappen’s partner, is Nelson Piquet’s daughter and has a child named Penelope from her past relationship with ex-F1 racer Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has developed a strong bond with Penelope and recently mentioned this when questioned if fatherhood might affect his driving speed.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. Before she started dating Verstappen, she was associated with another F1 driver, Daniil Kvyat. Together, they had a daughter in 2019. Piquet and Verstappen publicly shared the news of their daughter Lily’s birth on May 2, expressing joy at her arrival.
