Alonso could have had eight titles, claims Verstappen

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen insists that two-time world champion Fernando Alonso could have secured eight titles, suggesting that his current tally does not reflect his talent and capabilities.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, three-time world champion Max Verstappen suggested that double world champion Fernando Alonso's current tally doesn't reflect his true potential and capabilities. According to the Dutchman, the Spaniard could have secured up to eight world titles.

"Alonso could have had eight world titles if he had had a bit more luck in his career by making the right decisions at the right time. So, no, titles don't matter...,"

"It's not just about titles and it's the same in all sports. The one who has won six Champions Leagues or one or two World Cups is the best player? Not necessarily. It's a team effort that has to come together and that's why I think Alonso is definitely one of the best drivers in history because wherever he went, he was always very, very fast."

Alonso won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, and has also driven for Minardi, McLaren, Ferrari, and Alpine.

With Toyota, Alonso won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, in 2018 and 2019, and the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2018–19. He also won the 24 Hours of Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing in 2019. As of 2024, Alonso is the only driver to win both the F1 World Drivers' Championship and the World Endurance Championship.

Verstappen continued: "You need the material to win races and unfortunately he didn't always have that. Fernando is a fighter.

"He is also very versatile because he can drive many different cars: F1, rally, Dakar, endurance racing, and he has always been fast in all disciplines. That's something few drivers can do."