Fernando Alonso declares clear verdict on his favorite to win the F1 championship between McLaren stars and Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen’s recent triumph at the US Grand Prix has injected fresh energy into the Formula 1 title race as the season approaches its climax. With three wins in the last four races, the Dutchman has put himself back in contention for the championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

The current standings show Piastri leading with 346 points, followed closely by Norris at 332 and Verstappen at 306. Fernando Alonso, after witnessing Verstappen’s stellar performance at COTA, expressed his admiration for the Red Bull driver and tipped him as the favorite in the title battle.

Alonso’s praise for Verstappen is well-founded, considering the Dutchman’s remarkable achievements in the 2023 F1 season, where he clinched victory in 19 out of 22 races, including an impressive 10-race winning streak. However, this season has seen a shift in dynamics, with McLaren dominating the field with 12 wins in the first 15 races and establishing a significant lead over their competitors.

Despite McLaren’s early dominance, Verstappen has staged a remarkable comeback with pole-to-flag victories at Monza, Baku, and Austin, as well as a strong second-place finish at Singapore, a track known for its challenges. His ability to capitalize on opportunities and extract maximum performance from his car has propelled Red Bull back into the title race.

Alonso, a two-time champion himself, acknowledges Verstappen’s championship-winning qualities, highlighting his determination and skill on the track. While McLaren may have the faster car this season, Alonso believes that when it comes down to the wire, Verstappen’s championship instincts could make the difference.

Red Bull’s continuous upgrades on the RB21 have played a crucial role in Verstappen’s resurgence, with the team making significant improvements since the first half of the season. In contrast, McLaren has shifted focus to the 2026 regulations, leaving them vulnerable in the short term.

Verstappen remains cautiously optimistic about his title chances, acknowledging the challenge ahead but expressing his determination to fight till the end. With the Mexico City Grand Prix up next, a track where Verstappen has excelled in the past, the Red Bull driver sees an opportunity to further tighten the championship battle.

As the season heads into its final stretch, the title race promises to be a thrilling showdown between Verstappen, Piastri, and Norris. With each race set to be a test of skill and strategy, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 F1 season.

This article was edited by Parag Jain and written by Anurup Chakraborty, a motorsport journalist with a passion for NASCAR and F1. Anurup’s insights and analysis provide fans with in-depth coverage of races, driver performances, team strategies, and more. Whether dissecting race decisions or revisiting iconic moments in motorsport history, Anurup’s expertise and enthusiasm shine through in his engaging writing style. So, join the conversation and stay informed with Anurup’s expert coverage of all things motorsport.