Max Verstappen understands Fernando Alonso’s questions about his future, but believes that the Spaniard’s age makes his decision different.
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The future of Max Verstappen and that of Fernando Alonso are among the big questions in the driver market. Despite very different situations, the two world champions share one thing in common: their limited enthusiasm for the new regulations introduced this season.
Alonso, now 45 years old, recently explained that his decision to continue or not in Formula 1 would depend more on the pleasure felt behind the wheel than on Aston Martin’s level of competitiveness.
A position that Verstappen fully understands. The Dutchman believes, however, that his Spanish counterpart is at a stage in his career where deciding to hang up the helmet might be easier.
Verstappen fully understands Alonso
The first half of the season proved particularly difficult for Aston Martin. The British team was long at the bottom of the standings before showing encouraging signs in Hungary thanks to a significant set of upgrades.
In this context, Alonso has questioned his career path several times. For Verstappen, the frustration of the two-time world champion is perfectly understandable.
“I totally agree with him. It’s not what you want”, explains the Red Bull driver.
The four-time world champion nevertheless highlights an obvious difference between their respective situations.
“Fernando is obviously 45 years old, so it’s probably easier for him to say: ‘I’m stopping,’ because he has practically already completed his entire career.”
Verstappen would still like to see the Spaniard continue for a long time.
“I would love to see Fernando race until he’s 60, but I don’t think that’s realistic in Formula 1.”
“Fernando deserves at least to be in the top 5”
Beyond his age, Verstappen mainly insists on the frustration that can come from driving a car that does not allow Alonso to fully exploit his talent.
“When you are a true driver at heart, it’s difficult. And especially when you don’t like the regulations and you are not competitive, the situation becomes complicated.”
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The Dutchman mainly considers that the positions Alonso has had to fight for this season absolutely do not correspond to his level.
“Fernando obviously does not deserve to be 21st. Fernando deserves to be in the top five, at least.”
Aston Martin hopes, however, to reverse the trend. The significant upgrades introduced at the Hungaroring allowed the AMR26 to get closer to the midfield, while Honda must also bring an upgrade to its power unit during the restart at Zandvoort.
Verstappen also not very impressed by the new regulations
Verstappen’s situation is not entirely different. The Red Bull driver has been particularly critical of the new 2026 cars and has never hidden that the pleasure of driving would play a role in the length of his career.
His future within the Austrian team is also the subject of much speculation. Although he has a contract until the end of the 2028 season, some clauses could allow him to leave Red Bull earlier.
At 28, Verstappen acknowledges, however, that his situation cannot really be compared to Alonso’s.
“I am obviously 28, so it’s a bit different. I can easily stop, it’s not a problem, but I love racing.”
For now, the Dutchman therefore seems determined to cope with regulations that do not match his preferences.
“I’m just trying to make do with what we have, even if what we have right now is not what I like.”
Between his attachment to competition and his reservations about the direction Formula 1 is taking, Verstappen thus continues to leave doubt about his long-term future.
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