Ferrari legend praises ‘fighter’ Verstappen amid intense title battle

Max Verstappen is showing no signs of giving up in his pursuit of the world championship. The Dutchman has been in excellent form in the second half of the Formula 1 season, clawing back a deficit that once seemed insurmountable against McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Alesi impressed by Verstappen’s resilience 

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi has been particularly impressed by Verstappen’s turnaround. Speaking to international media, the Frenchman praised the Red Bull star’s relentless fighting spirit. “It’s incredibly exciting,” Alesi said. “There are still four races to go, with two sprint events, and we have three drivers who can win the title, two from McLaren, Norris and Piastri, and Max Verstappen.” 

Verstappen’s comeback has been marked by three victories in the last five races, putting him right back into contention. Alesi believes the reigning champion’s mentality has been key to his resurgence. “He’s a fighter and a winner,” said the Frenchman. “At the start of the season, he had some difficulties with the car, but now that the Red Bull is more competitive, he’s fighting back. We’re heading for a thrilling finale to this championship.” 

Brazil awaits 

The next stop on the calendar is the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, a circuit that has often delivered unpredictable and dramatic races. Verstappen won there in spectacular

fashion last year, while Norris took pole position. Both will be eager to capitalize on the sprint weekend format to gain crucial points in the title race. 

With Norris currently leading the championship on 357 points and Piastri close behind on 356, Verstappen sits third with 321, 36 points adrift of the lead. As the final stretch of the season approaches, one thing is certain: the battle between McLaren and Red Bull is far from over, and Verstappen remains very much in the fight.

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Red Bull Racing
  • Points 3,453
  • Podiums 127
  • Grand Prix 234
  • Country NL
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar